| Abstract: | With the growing awareness of eco-tourism and the development of infrastructure at attractions, it has become necessary to use best practices to reduce the impact of increased visitor numbers. It has been noted that many of the past and current developments of eco-tourism infrastructures have been made in an improvised manner resulting in unsustainable practices. This study highlights the current planning trends in the ad hoc development of eco-resorts through a phenomenological approach. The methodology applied qualitative research methods to examine university students' understanding of eco-resort development and best practice. The use of an eco-resort development exercise on a fictional Peruvian site was the basis of analysis. The content of planned developments by the respondents and their experience of eco-tourism formed significant results. Results showed a difference between a theoretical definition and the application in practice, which could lead to eco-tourism being defined out of existence. |
