How 'Eco' is Ecotourism? A Comparative Case Study of Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Ecotourism in Nepal

“…It is an integral part of the master development strategy of a developing nation (Doan, 2000;Stem, et al, 2003). It is important to integrate ecotourism with farming activities, handicraft and other local businesses to bring more benefits in the society (Degang & Xiaoting, 2006).…”

“…Ecotourism infl uences conservation, decreases deforestation and hunting rate and discourages conversion of forest to agricultural and pastoral land (Stem, et al, 2003). It is one of the preferred tools for conservation and community development that increases benefit of communities and conservation activities (Duff y, 2008).…”

“…Ecotourism provides local economic benefi ts by maintaining ecological resource integrity through low-impact and non-consumptive resource use. It fi nancially supports protected areas through tourism-related park fees (Stem, et al, 2003).…”

“…Ecotourism increases mobility of people, social stability and harmony; strengthen traditional culture, hospitality and folkway; and decreases political confl icts (Bin, et al, 2008;Degang & Xiaoting, 2006;Schellhorn, 2010;Sreekumar & Parayil, 2002). Ecotourism operators organize cultural tours with diff erent community groups and introduce rich culture to ensure experience of tourism stakeholders (Kelkit, et al, 2005;Stem, et al, 2003). Ecotourism off ers diverse products and services categorized as both a service and an experience (Chan & Baum, 2007).…”

“…& Th apa Parajuli, 2014b). It gives priority to ecological resource integrity, environmental conservation, community development and economic development by maintaining low-impact and non-consumptive use of local resources (Stem, Lassoie, Lee, & Deshler, 2003). Th ere is need of accessibility, liberalization, community empowerment, tourism facilities, tourism products, basic accommodation and public participation (Duff y, 2008;Gurung & Scholz, 2008).…”