Land suitability zoning for ecotourism planning and development of Dikgatlhong Dam, Botswana

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to discuss applications of GIS based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS MCDA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). These two techniques were applied in order to assist preparation of the Tourism Management Plan, depicting the most suitable zones for ecotourism development in Dikgathlong Dam Lease Area (DDLA) as one of the largest resources of potable water in Botswana. The MCDA was based on geo-morphometric, hydrologic, landscape and community indicators and criteria which emanated from expert's opinions, intensive field survey and literature review. In addition the AHP has helped to calculate individual criteria weights and to point the degree of suitability zones classified as highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and not suitable for ecotourism. After performing both processes and establishing broad management zones it has been found that the Sustainable Development Scenario is the most appropriate option as the future ecotourism development proposal. This research provides new methodology that can be incorporated into future tourism policies and management strategies.

The perceived value in ecotourism related to satisfaction and loyalty: A study from Costa Rica

“…Thus, environmental responsibility in tourism refers to responsible travel, which is especially carried out towards some natural protected conservation areas . Recent studies have researched the ecotourism potential and zoning, nature protection and sustainable tourism interaction as well as residents' perceptions towards protected areas and ecotourism (Balist et al, 2019;Carvache-Franco et al, 2018;Carvache-Franco et al, 2020;Jojić et al, 2018;Šiljeg et al, 2019;Stojanović et al, 2018).…”

Assessment and Empirical Research on the Suitability of Eco-Tourism Development in Nature Reserves of China: A Multi-Type Comparative Perspective

“…Positioned as a relatively recent addition to the realm of land suitability evaluation [13], the focus on ecotourism land suitability evaluations has become central to the broader investigation of ecotourism development suitability [14]. The scrutiny and assessment of ecotourism resources and the environment contribute to establishing a scientific and rational theoretical foundation for ecotourism planning in specific areas, thereby laying the groundwork for the sustainable evolution of ecotourism [15].…”

Derivation of geographical marginalization index of Bosnia and Herzegovina using GIS multicriteria decision analysis

“…Standardization is followed by the (4) determination of the weighting coefficients, which enables grading the in-f luence of the selected criteria on the final model according to their perceived importance (Veronesi et al, 2017). One of the most popular methods for determining weight coefficients is the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) (Sałabun et al, 2016;Šiljeg et al, 2019), which is integrated within the GAMA tool. The determination of criteria was carried out on two levels: a) derivation of an individual indicator of marginalization (e. g., physical, demographic, functional and economic); b) derivation of the final G MAR where each of the four indicators had a selected weighted coefficient.…”