Taiwan aboriginal ecotourism: Tanayiku Natural Ecology Park

This paper discusses research into an ethno/ecotourism site developed by the Tsou nation of southern Taiwan. The Tanayiku Natural Ecology Park receives approximately 450,000 tourists annually. This paper assesses, from a poststructuralist perspective, the theoretical implications of what is termed an “ecocultural renaissance”. It shows that the park functions in two contradictory ways. First, it is a site of geopolitical resistance to colonization for the Tsou. Second, it is as a site of topological consumption—which is, effectively, continued colonization—by tourists. Paradox notwithstanding, the paper discusses why Tanayiku represents a rare example of a successful community-based ecotourism operation owned and operated exclusively by an aboriginal group.     

Indonesian national parks: Understanding Leisure Users

The behavior and perceptions of users of protected areas in Indonesia are affected by cognitive interpretations of nature. While Westerners are influenced by historico-philosophical constructions of wilderness of a biocentric derivation and demonstrate behavior on a knowledge-seeking/active nexus, Indonesians and other Asians share more anthropocentric/recreational attitudes, tempered with collectivist societal values. A study in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park illustrated these differences. Conclusions are that leisure provision in protected areas in South East Asia requires stronger contextualization, an alternative one, and better market awareness if the economic and conservation benefits of tourism are to be maximized.     

Cocoa, conservation and tourism Grande Riviere, Trinidad

Following a review of tourism in the Caribbean and studies of communities affected by it, the focus of this paper is Grande Riviere, Northeast Trinidad. The history of the village from the mid-19th century is given, and its economic and social characteristics during extended fieldwork from 1971 to 1972 are described. Tourism to the village started in the 90s, prompted by the emergence of Grande Riviere as a major nesting site for Leatherback turtles, and visits were made to the village in 2004 and 2006. Changes over the 30-year period are described and assessed, the impact of tourism is discussed and analyzed and placed within the wider theoretical context.     

Ecotourism in Bhutan: Extending its Benefits to Rural Communities

This paper analyzes the present state of tourism in Bhutan and considers the prospects for the development of ecotourism. Empirical surveys of tour operators and foreign tourists indicate that visitors interested in the natural beauty of the Himalayan kingdom stay longer than those who come to experience its culture. By attracting younger tourists, ecotourism could contribute to the goals of Gross National Happiness. The majority of tourists and tour operators are in favor of ecotourism activities that might benefit local rural communities. The prerequisite for a substantial promotion of ecotourism would be changes in the Bhutanese tourism policy to encourage the diversification of tourism products.     

Attitudinal compliance with ecotourism guidelines

This study has developed and tested a conceptual framework to explain compliance attitudes of ecotour operators with industry guidelines. The results suggest that compliance with ecotourism principles is a function of a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors concerning ecotour operators, including the type of social and economic sanctions, gender of the respondents, perceived moral obligations, and revenue obtained from ecotourism. The key strategies for increasing compliance seem to lie in educating the tour operators and placing a call to their conscience. Some strategies for increasing compliance are suggested.