Ecotourism 01
Ecotourism 01
Ecotourism 01
ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT
AN OVERVIEW
Dimitrios Diamantis
THE FOUR MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THIS
CHAPTER ARE TO:
Outline the definitional perspective of
ecotourism
Overview the components of ecotourism
Discuss the ecotourism impacts (economic,
social, environmental)
Explain the marketing, demarketing and
practitioners’ aspects of ecotourism
INTRODUCTION
The popular appearance of ecotourism in the late 1960s
was treated as a panacea to all tourism-related problems in
the destination areas. Its popularity claimed to be
associated with the:
general search for natural attractions during a holiday
eagerness to achieve sustainable development by any
means
Potential employment opportunities in natural areas
Shift towards planning in protected areas
Products with sustainable ethos
No sustainable ethos
ALTERNATIVE
Mass
Natural based tourism
Ecotourism
Other
tourism
products
Other sustainable
products
SUSTAINABILITY
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS OF
ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism was first defined as ‘traveling to
relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated
natural areas with the specific objective of
studying, admiring, enjoying the scenery and its
wild plants and animals, as well as any existing
cultural manifestations found this areas.
TRADE-OFF TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS
OF ECOTOURISM
In the very weak definition, the core emphasis could be given to the
natural-based component.
In the weak definition, the core emphasis could be given mainly to the
natural-based component and to a lesser degree on the educational
and sustainability components.
In the strong definition, a definition could stress the measurement of
the basis of ecotourism practices in both protected and non- protected
areas, which generates a high level of
education/conservation/economic/social/cultural benefit to the
destination.
In the very strong definition, all three elements should be equally
considered, but with less emphasis on the economic aspects of
ecotourism.
COMPONENTS OF
ECOTOURISM
THE NATURAL-BASED COMPONENT
An area dedicated primarily to the protection and
enjoyment of natural or cultural heritage, to
maintenance of biodiversity, and /or maintenance of
ecological life-support services.
ACTIVITIES OF GENERALIZED TYPES OF
ECOTOURISM IN A RECREATION ACTIVITY:
NATURAL SETTING
Activities dependent on Kinetic experiences were non-
nature (bird watching) mechanically powered activities
such as hiking, diving, swimming
Activities enhanced by nature
(camping) Situation-based experience entail
a strong association with the
Activities where the natural destination as a unique
setting is incidental (swimming) characteristic
A substitution or aesthetic
experience includes observation of
natural phenomena, for example
bird watching
LOCAL ISSUES
Involvement of the host community
There are at least five areas where local people can
help to bring about nature tourism activities:
information gathering, consultation, decision making,
initiating action and evaluation
Multiplier effect increases through improved
employment and higher earnings of the local population
EDUCATIONAL IMPACTS
Education and interpretation have to be the
foundation and this should aim to include the local
community and both domestic and international
travelers
Provide onsite educational programmes at the
destinations
ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT
CONSIDERATIONS: IMPACTS
PERSPECTIVE
Governments and non-governmental organizations around the world are
developing and promoting ecotourism in protected areas to benefit local
communities and to help preserve the environment and different ecosystems
Be integrated in the planning and development of ecotourism projects at an
early stage
Evaluation of the knowledge of ecotourism impacts can be considered by
understanding the host community’s sensitivity of the positive and negative
environmental, economical and social impacts of ecotourism
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS IMPACTS
DIRECT impacts are those Ecotourism is usually
arising directly from tourist concentrated in
spending
sensitive and unique
INDIRECT impacts are those environments.
such as when a restaurant is
purchasing supplies in order
to cater to tourist
INDUCED impacts are those
such as when an employee
who works in a restaurant
buy goods and services from
wages earned
ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
A MARKETING PERSPECTIVE