Module-2 Ecotourism

TMPE 227: Ecotourism
Management
Factors to be Considered in
Ecotourism
Prepared by: Cheryl B. Dorog,

MBA-LPT
Subject Instructor
 Ecotourism will not be meaningful if important factors are not
taken into account. The following are the factors to considered
in Ecotourism:
A. ENVIRONMENT
1. Biodiversity – the Philippines is host to numerous species of
plant and animal life, a number of which are indigenous /native
to the country. The number and endemicity of plants and
animals in African countries like Belize and Madagascar have
been a major drawer for nature lovers. The survival of the
remaining life in these areas largely depends on the
management of the resources with ecotourism as the lead
industry
A. ENVIRONMENT
2. Aesthetic Value – much of the basis for development in
many areas is hinged on the hinged on the aesthetic values found
in the destination.
Switzerland attracts thousands visitors because of the Swiss

Alps.
Tagaytay in the Philippines boasts of the view of Taal Lake and
the volcano island.
The Banaue Rice Terraces offer unique vista found only in the
Philippines.
 Tarsier may help promote the ecotourism development of an
area like Bohol
 Rugged coastlines were considered as simply treacherous and
unappealing. Ecotourism, however, redefined them as scenic
and interesting landscapes and sea scape.
A. ENVIRONMENT
3. Existing Resources – a large part of the tourist

expenditure goes to consumption of local resources. Also, the kind
of food served to the tourists, whether fancy or simple, local or
exotic, may affect the environment through production or
extraction
4. Physical Environment – this is a major component of

ecotourism. Any impact, to the physical environment, like land,
water,and the coastal area, will ultimately affect the living
creatures in that particular ecosystem, affects its quality or pollute
it.
A. ENVIRONMENT
5. Other industries– like tourism, other industries also

affect the environment. The industries is directly or indirectly
compete with tourism in the utilization of resources and space.
6. Weather – Tourism patterns are often dictated by the

weather patterns either in market countries or destination areas.
The cycle also affects the demand for resources. One good thing
about Ecotourism is that some activities can be done even during
bad weather condition or lean tourist season.
A. ENVIRONMENT
7. Environmental Laws– any development that would involve

resource extraction and utilization must conform with the existing
environmental laws particularly the National Integrated Protected Areas
System (NIPAS) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System
which are under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR).
8. Government Policies – No matter how dynamic tourism is, it is

still subject to the policy focus of the government agencies directly and
indirectly involved in the development of tourism. Particular agencies are
the DOT and DENR. The current output is the joint memorandum circular
on Ecotourism development guidelines in the Philippines.
B. CULTURE
1. Indigenous Tribes– with ecotourism tours, the most sought-after group

of people are the indigenous tribes found only in far away places or unique habitats.
Yet, these people are often the marginalized and exploited sector in many societies.
Tourism must involve itself in protecting their rights and preserving their culture.
2. Local Customs and Practices– Each nation or destination has its own
set of customs and practices. What may be ordinary in one area may be scandalous
to another.
3. Cultural Heritage - In any cultural destination, the reason why tourists

come would be the unique cultural heritage of the people. Again, such cultures are
subject to exploitation and degradation if promoted or developed wrongly.
4. Local Community benefits – Tourism benefits should ultimately accrue

to the local community , especially where said benefits can spell the difference
between exploitation and improvement of standard of life.
C. OPEARATIONS
Ecotourism should still be treated like a business
enterprise requiring quality, as well as dependable and innovative
ideas on facilities and services operations. In which case it has to
undergo the following:
1. Research– to find out if a particular area is qualified for a

type of sustainable ecotourism program.
2. Consultation– with the local communities and other

individuals /organizations which may either be stakeholder or
important sources of ideas
3. Investment- may be physical, like infra and super

structure; and services like guiding
D. MARKETING/PROMOTIONS
This is a very important aspect of ecotourism development,

•
because much of the success of the program/destination will

depend on the effectiveness of its promotion.
• It may be done through the usual printed materials, like brochures
and posters or through publicity using media(TV, radio, print).
Other effective means of promotions are inviting potential

•
suppliers(tour operators, hotels, airline representative) and

participating in travels marts and similar fairs.
E. THE MARKET
Determine the type of market that would be most appropriate to be

•
invited to the program. Will it be the foreign or domestic tourists?
Should the activities required be specific, or can they be diversified

•
to accommodate a wider range of market?
Caution must also be exercised when developing areas for

•
ecotourism, because not all Ecotourists are environmentally

sensitive(Tourism Management, 1993)

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TMPE 227: Ecotourism

Prepared by: Cheryl B. Dorog,

Switzerland attracts thousands visitors because of the Swiss

3. Existing Resources – a large part of the tourist

4. Physical Environment – this is a major component of

5. Other industries– like tourism, other industries also

6. Weather – Tourism patterns are often dictated by the

7. Environmental Laws– any development that would involve

8. Government Policies – No matter how dynamic tourism is, it is

1. Indigenous Tribes– with ecotourism tours, the most sought-after group

3. Cultural Heritage - In any cultural destination, the reason why tourists

4. Local Community benefits – Tourism benefits should ultimately accrue

1. Research– to find out if a particular area is qualified for a

2. Consultation– with the local communities and other

3. Investment- may be physical, like infra and super

This is a very important aspect of ecotourism development,

because much of the success of the program/destination will

Other effective means of promotions are inviting potential

suppliers(tour operators, hotels, airline representative) and

Determine the type of market that would be most appropriate to be

invited to the program. Will it be the foreign or domestic tourists?

Should the activities required be specific, or can they be diversified

to accommodate a wider range of market?

Caution must also be exercised when developing areas for

ecotourism, because not all Ecotourists are environmentally

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