Ecotourism – what's in a name?

Ryan, B.

Lincoln University, New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference

1998

Lincoln University

info@lincoln.ac.nz

Lincoln University, Land, Environment & People: www.lincoln.ac.nz/leap

LaEPAdministrator: michelle.collings@lincoln.ac.nz

Despite the considerable ecotourism literature, and the size and economic value of the nature-based sector le tourism industry which lays claim, in full or in part, to the ecotourism label, ecotourism as a concept remains without a widely agreed definition. This article addresses the question, “does it matter that ecotourism is not adequately defined?” If it is important to identify a universally accepted definition might that be achieved in view of the failure, so far, to do that? The need for a definition is presented by positioning ecotourism as a property, or resource, that requires stewardship to fully realise a benefit m. The question of defining ecotourism is addressed in two parts; the first considers the need for a descriptive definition as might be useful for a dictionary or general understanding of the concept. The second considers the need for a prescriptive definition that is required to distinguish ecotourism from other expressions of tourism. Finally a general descriptive definition is offered; and a process

Keywords:

Tourism, Nature, Outdoors, Ecotourism, Environment

Published in: Advances in Research - Proceedings of the 3rd New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference - 1998

Evaluation

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoors

Tourism

1488

June 26, 2012

June 26, 2012