04.Introduction to Eco Tourism

Session 4. Introduction to Ecotourism

Ramon Benedicto A. Alampay, Ph.D.Asian Institute of Management

Friday, July 2, 2010

Nature Tourism and Ecotourism


Ecotourism is a niche or segment of nature-based tourism


Ecotourism is a niche or segment of nature-based tourism

NATURE TOURISM Travel to unspoiled places to experience & enjoy nature

TOURISM Travel to places other than one’s usual environment for purposes other than

immigration and remuneration at the destination

ECOTOURISM Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people

LEISURE TOURISM Travel for purposes of leisure, recreation and/or holiday


Other terms associated with nature tourism & ecotourism


Other terms associated with nature tourism & ecotourism

Adventure tourism

Geotourism

Responsible tourism

Pro-poor tourism

Sustainable tourism

Related in form or tourist activity

Related development goals

and objectives


SOME COMMON TYPES OF TOURISM


Cruise Tourism

Nature-Based Tourism

Coastal Tourism

Cultural Tourism

Urban TourismUrban TourismUrban TourismSustainable Sustainable Sustainable

Tourism

ECOTOURISM

SOME COMMON TYPES OF TOURISM


The Roots of Ecotourism

Nature-based Adventure Tourism (e.g. mountain climbing, rafting, etc.)

Wildlife tourism

Counter-culture niche against mass tourism (Elite)

interest in indigenous (less known, less “familiar” cultures)


Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy, study and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features that promote conservation, has a negative visitation impact and provides for substantial beneficial active socio-economic involvement of local populations -

Hector Ceballos-Lascurian


Hard and Soft Ecotourism*Hard (Active) Soft (Passive)

Strong Environmental Commitment Moderate

Enhanced Concept of sustainability Steady-state

Specialized Trips Multi-purpose

Long Duration of trip Short

Physically active Physical demands Physically passive

Few services expected Service expectations Services expected

Personal experience Emphasis Interpretation

Hard (Active)

*Weaver, 2001


Shallow vs. Deep

Shallow Ecotourism Deep Ecotourism

Experiencing the culture of the host

community

Surface understanding of a culture; tourists are

spectators of cultural traditions, performances

and artifacts

Tourists gain meaningful understanding of culture by immersion (when

appropriate) and/or self-education

*Acott, LaTrobe and Howard, 1998


Shallow vs. Deep



community



and artifacts





Shallow vs. Deep



community



and artifacts





Shallow vs. Deep


Tourist service standards

Western standards of safety, comfort and

hygiene are maintained where possible; tourists may want western food

and drink.

Western comforts not required; tourists may want to try local dishes as part of the cultural

learning


Shallow vs. Deep





and drink.


learning


Shallow vs. Deep





and drink.


learning


Shallow vs. Deep


Preserving the quality of the

natural resource

Preference for “pristine” natural enclaves may

result in policies where indigenous peoples are

excluded from natural areas

Preservation and protection from humans,

as long as activity is integrated with efforts to maintain

biodiversity and ecological integrity of

land


Shallow vs. Deep



natural resource







land


Shallow vs. Deep



natural resource







land


Shallow vs. Deep


The value(s) of nature

Instrumental valuation of nature

Recognition of intrinsic values of all elements of nature (not

just those needed by humans)


Shallow vs. Deep


The value(s) of nature

Instrumental valuation of nature

Recognition of intrinsic values of all elements of nature (not

just those needed by humans)


The Value of Iconic Attractions


Tourism Businesses and Protected Areas

Economic ActivitiesDevelop Tours or Excursions Linked to Protected AreasSell merchandise related to the siteRun tourism-related concessions and leases in the site

Contribution to Conservation EffortRaise tourists’ awareness on protecting sitesCooperate in collecting entrance and user feesGenerate donations to the site


Demand for Ecotourism


Estimating the size of the ecotourism market.Small but growing


Estimating the size of the ecotourism market.Small but growing

UN World Tourism Organization has estimated that wildlife and ecotourism accounts for 7% of the world market

The International Ecotourism Society estimates that nature tourism is growing by 10-12% per year, internationally

ASEAN Share: Estimated 4 million ecotourists in 2007


Who are the nature/ecotourists?


By Region of OriginNorth America, Western Europe, Australia/New ZealandAsian markets are emerging (e.g. Japan)



By Region of OriginNorth America, Western Europe, Australia/New ZealandAsian markets are emerging (e.g. Japan)

ProfileTend to be higher educatedAge profile varies by according to country profile

Australia: young to middle-agesJapan: middle-aged to seniors



Who are the nature/ecotourists?Activity Preferences

Source: Wood/IFC (2003)


Vary from destination to destinationdiving/marine (Pacific)jungle/rainforest (Southeast Asia)

Overall: strong interest in the natural environment, experiential vacation, & learning

Specific interestsAdmiring scenery & wildlife viewingHiking & walkingTaking guided interpretative toursVisiting parks and protected areas

Who are the nature/ecotourists?Activity Preferences



Who are the nature/ecotourists?Accommodation Preferences



Provides good access to the primary attraction or activity area

Comfortable, conventional, mid-priced lodging

Will stay in traditional local accommodations if there are no good alternatives

Who are the nature/ecotourists?Accommodation Preferences


The activity is still the main thing. Lodging design and practice will tend to be

considered when the main priorities have been met.


Consumer Demand for Responsible Tourism

SOURCE: Chafe, Z. & Honey, M. (2005). Consumer Demand and Operator Support for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Tourism. CESD/TIES Working Paper No. 104. Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (CESD), The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). Revised April 2005.


Consumer Demand for Responsible Tourism

A majority of tourists are interested in the social, cultural and environmental issues.

important to the vast majority of them that their trip not damage local ecosystems. interested in patronizing hotels that are committed to protecting the local environment

Once educated about ecotourism certification and ecolabels, a majority of tourists support the concept and will use the labels to choose future tour operators.

Wide-spread support for responsible tourism among operatorsSOURCE: Chafe, Z. & Honey, M. (2005). Consumer Demand and Operator Support for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Tourism. CESD/TIES Working Paper No. 104. Center on

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (CESD), The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). Revised April 2005.


Demand for Natural and Cultural Products

Source: 2007 Asia Travel Intentions Survey


Demand for Natural and Cultural Products

Which of the following would be the greatest benefits to visiting destinations in Asia?

• Opportunity to experience othercultures = 22%

• Natural beauty of the region = 18%

Source: 2007 Asia Travel Intentions Survey


Latent Demand for Green/Responsible Tourism Products

Source: 2007 Asia Travel Intentions SurveyFriday, July 2, 2010


How much extra would you be prepared to pay for culturally-sensitive tourism products (e.g. flights or hotels)?

70% would pay extra (10 to 50%)

How much extra would you be prepared to pay for environmentally-friendly tourism products (e.g. flights or hotels)?

68% would pay extra (10 to 50%)





When thinking about your holiday, to what extent would you be more inclined to choose tourism products (e.g. flights or hotels) that are:




...sensitive to local cultures?




...sensitive to local cultures?• Much more likely = 35%





• A little more likely = 54%






...environmentally-friendly?






...environmentally-friendly?• Much more likely = 37%















about 9 out of 10 would be more inclined to choose culturally-

sensitive & environmentally-friendly

tourism products


Demand is likely not limited to ecotourism products


What sort of experience is most important?

• Local culture - 35%

• Relaxation - 33%

• Outdoor adventure - 12%

Suggests a preference for more traditional, mainstream tourism

activities

Demand is likely not limited to ecotourism products


Documents

04.Introduction to Eco Tourism