Towards a more desirable form of ecotourism

Responsible environmental behavior intention of travelers on ecotourism sites

“…Although the original purpose of travelers visiting ecotourism locations is merely for a walk, enjoying a new atmosphere and relaxing, they will feel more satisfied, pay more respect and care for the environment when they participate in the activities organized. Similarly, Orams (1995) states that satisfaction on ecotourism is highly dependent on experience gained while doing tourist activities; consequently, satisfiying experience can generate changes in behavior. Ballanytne and Packer (2011) also explain that experience of ecotourism area not only provides travelers with the opportunity to make direct contact with the natural environment, but also give them the feeling of satisfaction and pleasure.…”

“…Satisfaction in ecotourism, according to Orams (1995), is highly dependent on the experience gained during tourism activities, and satisfaction generated from positive experience can trigger changes in behavior. Similarly, Ballanytne and Packer's study (2011) shows that experiencing direct contact with the natural environment in ecotourism sites can stimulate satisfaction and a sense of excitement for the travelers; consequently, it has a potential to improve tourist understanding toward the natural environment and then alter their attitudes and behavior.…”

From theory to practice of ecotourism: major obstacles that stand in the way and best practices that lead to success

“…Furthermore, Bottrill and Pearce's (1995) remark that 'increasing usage of the term ecotourism has done little to clarify the concept' (p. 45) expresses accurately the current situation, even after all these years. Orams (1995) supported that the increased number of definitions of ecotourism signals the fact that it means different things to different people. Järviluoma (1992) approached ecotourism from the perspective that it is 'small scale developed by local people and based on local nature and culture' (p. 118) and stressed the importance of respecting the 'environmental and social carrying capacity' of a tourist destination.…”

Ecotourism: pondering the paradoxes

“…Fennell (2001) and Diamantis (1999) investigated a number of definitions in terms of their content and in terms of trends and evolution of such definitions, respectively. Three of the main components of most definitions is that ecotourism takes place in natural, relatively undisturbed areas (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1987;Krippendorf, 1987a, b;Holmes, 1993;Valentine, 1993;Ballantine and Eagles, 1994;Eagles and Cascagnette, 1995;Weiler and Richins, 1995;Blamey, 1997;Fennell, 1999;Ross and Wall, 1999;Sirakaya et al, 1999;Weaver, 2001), tries to minimise the negative impacts on the local communities and the natural environment (Mathieson and Wall, 1982;Pleumarom, 1993;Valentine, 1993;Orams, 1995;Gilbert, 1997;Lindberg and McKercher, 1997;Acott et al, 1998;Honey, 1999;Fennell, 2003), and that it contributes to the conservation of those areas (Boo, 1990;Jones, 1992;Holmes, 1993;Valentine, 1993;Wight, 1993;Buckley, 1994;McArthur, 1997;Fennell, 1999;Honey, 1999;Ross and Wall, 1999). Despite these definitions, there are a number of challenges associated with ecotourism, not the least of which relate to the environmental contexts within which ecotourism takes place.…”