Research Proposal on "Ecotourism: Cultural and Environmental Learning"

Research Proposal 5 pages (1988 words) Sources: 6 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Ecotourism: Cultural and Environmental Learning

Ecotourism is becoming increasingly more important in the tourism industry due to the internal crises which include the economic recession, the SARS outbreak, terrorist attacks and the war on terrorism. (Chafe, 2004; p. 2) it is important to understand the choices of consumers in Ecotourism and assess the support of the public and travel companies of Ecotourism. Ecotourism is defined by the Ecotourism Society as "a responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." (Merg, 2007) Ecotourism involves travel to natural destinations such as remote areas which are under environmental protection whether at the national, international, communal or private level. (Merg, 2007) Ecotourism minimizes impact to the area through use of recycle materials and renewable sources of energy. Ecotourism is further characterized by safe disposal of waste and garbage and environmentally and culturally sensitive architectural design." (Merg, 2007) Ecotourism is defined by the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as "...responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people." (Chandler C.) This definition emphasizes the concept of responsibility towards the environment and this is in line with a growing tendency in the industry to focus on aspects of learning and education in ecotourism. This trend is seen by many to be integral to the ideals of environmental conservation through the process of insight and understanding. For this review various articles were selected from the literature that provided insight and illustrated the various problematics of this topic.

A very useful starting point to researching this trend is a comprehensive article on ecotourism entitled, Ecotourism as Environmental Learning by Kimmel, (1999). This article deals with some the central issues surrounding ecotourism as a learning environment and provides a broad overview of the problems and issues relating to the ecotourism as a learning process. The author notes that commercial ecotourism is an increasingly important part of the global tourism industry and that it "...offers a substantial opportunity for environmental learning." (Kimmel, 1999, p. 41) However, the author makes an important point that relates strongly to the concept of ecotourism as a form of learning, which is that, "...simply taking visitors to unique sites does not guarantee learning." (Kimmel, 1999, p. 40)

In other words, methods have to be developed by the ecotourism industry that ensures the integration and incorporation of learning aspects.

An article that emphasizes the importance of education and the environment from a slightly different perspective is, Common Ground for Farmers and Forests: Alarmed by Signs of Extensive Deforestation over the Past Decades, Groups in Costa Rica Are Developing Programs That Combine Ecological Awareness and Sustainable Agriculture, by Joyce Gregory Wyels (2003). This article explores the environmental problems and concerns experienced by the ecotourism industry in Costa Rica. It goes on to suggest that education and learning about environmental concerns is an essential part of the ecotourism industry if it is to survive and that educational aspects play an important role in the understanding of this industry.

An article that examines the growing ecotourism industry in Vietnam is Trekking for Change: Vietnam's Hill Tribes Benefit from Ecotourism by Rebecca Sanborn (2005). The author focuses on the important role that culture and cultural education is playing in this industry. The attraction of unique cultures in ecotourism is often countered by the negative fact of a lack of knowledge about environmental issues. (Sanborn, 2005, p. 54) the author contends that this is a situation that can be remedied through education. The article focuses on the role that ecotourism companies like Handspan Adventure Travel are playing in this country. (Sanborn, 2005, p. 54) an article that explores the issue of ecotourism and education in more detail and more directly through a case study of the interaction between education and ecotourism, is Controlling the Ecotourist in a Wild Dolphin Feeding Program: Is Education the Answer? By Mark Orams and Greg Hill (1998). This study evaluates the effectiveness of an education program for tourists who hand-feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma, Moreton Island, in eastern Australia. The study found that educations programs were very effective in the reduction of environmentally negative behavior patterns. A more general article entitled Sharing the Planet: Can Humans and Nature Coexist? (1999) by John Tuxill and Christopher Bright, explores the problem of the balance between society and the environment. It notes the importance of education in this regard.

The work of Zoe Chafe (2004) entitled: "Consumer Demand and Operator Support for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Tourism," states that despite setbacks to the travel and tourism industry "...both consumers and travel companies show strong support for responsible tourism, including a willingness to pay more for ethical practices, to contribute to community projects, and to support certification. While consumers continue to view cost, weather, and quality of facilities as paramount in holiday planning, demands for ethical products, social investment, and eco-labels is growing." Chafe (2004) relates that the feature and qualities that are desired by tourist in their travel destination include the following: (1) tourists want to acquire knowledge of the cultural, environmental and social issues of the area to which they are traveling; (2) tourists report that learning about the culture, environmental and social characteristics of their destination results in a more enjoyable experience; (3) Approximately 75% of U.S. travelers "place high importance on not damaging the environment during their traveling experience; (5) Travelers prefer to "seek out well-preserved sites; (6) Approximately 50% of U.S. travelers "support controlled access to national parks and similar destinations; (7) a large percentage of Americans report that they would pay more to use a travel agent that engaged in environmental protection and ethical practices; and (8) the majority of tourists feel it is important "that the travel companies they use employ local residents and support the local community." (Chafe, 2004)

The work of Sanborn (2005) entitled; "Trekking for Change: Vietnam's Hill Tribes Benefit from Ecotourism," states that the Northern Vietnam area is one that is "...plagued by poverty, disease, and unsanitary conditions. Most of its inhabitants live a miserable existence. For at least one family, however, their lifestyle has changed for the better. This is because they have invested in ecotourism (Sanborn, 2005). Ecotourism has many benefits and these benefits are greatly realized by families in Northern Vietnam who are hosts to guests traveling with Handspan Adventure Travel as these families are given the opportunity to host guests under certain conditions. Families who are hosts to trekkers are noted to have better dwellings and lifestyles than families who are not hosts. The work of Wyels (2003) entitled: "Common Ground for Farmers and Forests: Alarmed by Signs of Extensive Deforestation Over the Past Decades, Groups in Costa Rica are Developing Programs that Combine Ecological Awareness and Sustainable Agriculture," states that Costa Rica was covered 99% by lush forests however, this has been reduced to only 17% in forests in Costa Rica today. While Costa Rica has long been an attractive travel destination however, as noted by Wyels (2003) findings reported in a collaborative study between EARTH University and NASA that took and gathered photographs from space of Costa Rica relates that these photographs, taken over a period of time, offer grim prospects for the future of the country and, as a result, its ecotourism (Wyels, 2003).

The work of Kimmel (1999) entitled: "Ecotourism as Environmental Learning" states the fact that commercial ecotourism "...is a rapidly growing part of the global tourism industry. Although potential negative impacts must be addressed, ecotourism offers a substantial opportunity for environmental learning. However, simply taking visitors to unique sites does not guarantee learning...Tourism is one of the leading industries in the world, and its growth is expected to continue at a high rate. Although a substantial part of tourism is the 'sun, surf, and sand' variety, the fastest growing segment is ecotourism." Kimmel additionally relates that there are many factors that combined influence the current popularity of ecotourism:

1) crowding and congestion in urban areas;

2) atmosphere is becoming increasingly polluted;

3) leisure time for individuals is on the increase; and 4) public concern for the environment is increasing. (1999)

Kimmel (1999) predicted "Green tourism will progressively become a powerful force in shaping destination appeal and driving market demand. Environmental awareness will become enshrined within the business plans of airlines, travel agents, hotel chains and all the other tourism-related service links" (Kimmel, 1999, pg. 1). While there are certainly benefits to ecotourism, Kimmel (1999) notes that there are potential drawbacks however, careful planning and regulation by authorities would serve to bring about a reduction in possible negative impacts of ecotourism.

The work of Price (2004) entitled: "Ecotourism Operators and Environmental Education: Enhancing Competitive Advantage by Advertising Environmental Learning Experiences," relates that ecotourism operators that differentiate heir products as well as make environmental educational programs of quality available are able to develop a sustainable competitive advantage.

Summary and Assessment

All of the above articles provide different but significant perspectives on the issue of ecotourism… READ MORE

How to Reference "Ecotourism: Cultural and Environmental Learning" Research Proposal in a Bibliography

Related Research Proposals:

Ecotourism and Community Development Multiple Chapters

Eco-Tourism and Community Development

Ecotourism

The International Tourism Society (2010) defines this as responsible travel to natural areas for the purpose of conserving the environment and improving the well-being of… read more

Multiple Chapters 11 pages (2949 words) Sources: 14 Style: Harvard Topic: Recreation / Leisure / Tourism

---

Environmental Tourism/Eco-tourism the Hotel Sector in Malaysia Dissertation

Environmental Tourism/eco-Tourism

The Hotel Sector in Malaysia

The work of Kasim (2007) entitled: "Environmentalism in the Hotel Sector: Evidence of Drivers and Barriers in Penang Malaysia" reports that the link… read more

Dissertation 10 pages (2914 words) Sources: 1+ Style: APA Topic: Recreation / Leisure / Tourism

---

Brazil Sustainable Development in Amazon Term Paper

Brazil: Sustainable Development in the Amazon

While it is generally regarded as true that developing countries offer more biodiversity than developed ones, and that the developed countries are not particularly… read more

Term Paper 20 pages (5100 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Latin America / Mexico / Caribbean

---

Types of Tourism Literature Review

Tourism

What are the many and varied categories of tourism and travel? What specific advantage does one form of tourism have over another, and what are the most coveted venues… read more

Literature Review 12 pages (3877 words) Sources: 20 Topic: Recreation / Leisure / Tourism

---

Model to Develop Sustainable Marine Tourism in Similan Island Thailand Methodology Chapter

sustainable marine tourism in Similan Island, Thailand

Thailand is located in the South-East Asia between the countries of Laos and Cambodia to the East, Burma (Republic of Myanmar) to the… read more

Methodology Chapter 18 pages (5220 words) Sources: 0 Style: Harvard Topic: Recreation / Leisure / Tourism

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>