The rapid growth of the Cuban tourist industry into the island's main currency generator fostered the emergence of new tourist stakeholders, from both the public (state-owned tourist facilities) and private sectors (micro-enterprises or cuentapropistas). It is crucial to understand how new participation and new organisational structures in the industry can shape and enhance the long-term sustainability of tourism in Cuba. A case study of an emergent alternative tourism destination in Western Cuba (Vinales Valley) reveals complex and striking relationship patterns between stakeholders. In particular, the degree of participation in the industry by the region's various tourism entities is highly uneven, with state entities dominating, as expected. My discussion of the findings suggests that Cuba could draw from its experience in creating well-organized networks of mass organizations to foster a climate of trust and the increased participation among tourist stakeholders.

A descriptive case study approach and 34 indicators was used to examine the socio-economic impacts of whale watching tourism in the Laguna San Ignacio (LSI) World Heritage Site - located within the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The framework measured both the socio-economic changes, and the economic viability of the local and regional operators. This approach led to a detailed understanding of the underlying, and often complex, inter-related factors that shaped the ecotourism development in LSI between 1994 and 2002. It identified strengths and weaknesses of current ecotourism development making it a valid tool for evaluating and improving these activities in any biosphere reserve. More specifically the objectives were to examine: 1. How existing ecotourism operations and their activities in the LSI have changed since 1994; 2. Whether these changes have made ecotourism a more viable socio-economic development alternative for the local communities; and 3. Which strategies may be useful in overcoming identified barriers to further socio-economic benefits both from existing and future ecotourism activities. The results strongly suggested that the benefits from ecotourism improved significantly between 1994 and 2002. Economically this was reflected in growth of visitor numbers (50%), employment (100%) and local and regional revenue approximately 70% (or 55% in real terms adjusting for inflation). Social benefits were seen in more cooperation among previous antagonistic stakeholders; a wider distribution of ecotourism benefits; some improvement in living standards and increasing local support for the Reserve. Politically, local stakeholders became more empowered through involvement in tourism related management activities. The viability of the local and regional operators also improved significantly as they became more sophisticated in their product offerings, enhanced their facilities and gained a market share of ecotourism relative to the foreign operators. These improvements were particular true for the operators that sold package tours. However, the analyses also revealed a number of barriers with the most important ones being: • Unresolved historic land use conflicts over rights to land with ecotourism possibilities; • Lack of activities diversification possibilities outside the tourism season; • Stagnating visitor numbers; • Uneven business skills among operators; • Poor marketing and promotional efforts; • Insufficient ecotourism infrastructure; • A proposed ecotourism tax; • Low profit margin of the ecotourism operators; and • Lack of funding for further investments To alleviate these threats and barriers 13 general strategies were identified. An elaboration of these resulted in 39 concrete operational strategies on how potentially to implement them.

Darbo objektas – žaliojo marketingo raiška kuriant visuomenei draugišką aplinką. Darbo tikslas – nustatyti žaliojo marketingo taikymo kuriant visuomenei draugišką aplinką galimybes. Darbo uždaviniai: 1. išnagrinėti žaliojo marketingo sampratą, ypatumus ir atsiradimo prielaidas; 2. išanalizuoti žaliojo marketingo perspektyvas Lietuvos turizmo sferoje; 3. nustatyti žaliojo marketingo vaidmenį kuriant visuomenei draugišką aplinką Lietuvoje. Tyrimo metodai: Mokslinės literatūros analizė, situacijos analizė, anketinė apklausa. Tyrimo rezultatai/Išvados: 1. Žaliojo marketingo perspektyvos Lietuvos turizmo sferoje yra gan didelės, atsižvelgiant į tai, kad žaliasis marketingas organizacijoje siejasi su visa įmonės veikla ir jos filosofija. Organizacijos, besiremiančios ekologine koncepcija, dėmesys turi būti nukreiptas trijų išorės suinteresuotųjų šalių link: vartotojų, visuomenės ir aplinkos, o turizmo sferos organizacijos šioje srityje turi daugiausia galimybių. Nors žaliasis marketingas vaidina svarbų vaidmenį laisvalaikio organizavime, tačiau šioje srityje labai daug kas priklauso ir nuo privataus ir valstybinio sektoriaus bendradarbiavimo pateikiant informaciją, bei skleisti tausojančio ir ekoturizmo idėjas. 2. Atlikus teorinę žaliojo marketingo vaidmens draugiškos aplinkos kūrimui analizę, galima teigti, kad žaliasis marketingas savo prigimtimi ir pobūdžiu bei veiklos kryptimis yra vienas efektyviausių instrumentų kuriant visuomenei draugišką aplinką. 3. Atlikus tyrimą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Žaliojo marketingo taikymas kuriant visuomenei draugišką aplinką.

This thesis uses three case studies to analyze and contextualize the interface between Western conceptions of indigenous peoples and nature and community-based conservation and development schemes in the Amazon: Kapawi Ecolodge (Ecuador), Chalalán Ecolodge (Bolivia), and Posada Amazonas (Peru). It explores how three Amazonian communities represent their indigenous identity in the online marketing of their ecotourism lodges. As a methodological tool, this research identifies four characteristics of the Ecologically Noble Savage stereotype: the spatial, the spiritual, the temporal, and the cultural. Current ethnographic literature describing these communities is used to analyze these self-representations. This thesis examines these representations within larger academic discussions on authenticity, power and control, and the long-term viability of ecotourism as a community-based development model.

Tourism in Lesotho reached a peak in the mid-1970's, based upon the opening of modern hotels and casinos in Maseru and the attraction of gambling. This was an activity which was not then available in the neighbouring country of the Republic of South Africa. Casinos became Lesotho's dominant tourist product. The legalising of gambling in South Africa increased competition in the casino market and Lesotho could therefore no longer capitalise on casinos. Furthermore, the casinos in the country were externally owned and controlled. This form of tourism was therefore not economically viable for the greater proportion of the host population because most of the revenue generated drained back to parent countries. As a result, the strategy for tourism development shifted to the development of natural environment, landscape and outdoor pursuits such as pony trekking. Pony trekking became popular in the late 1970's and has since become one of the most important tourist products of the country. In the 1980's community pony trekking associations were established. These pony trekking initiatives were identified as one development option that could provide economic opportunities for rural communities where few other opportunities exist. The purpose of this study is to examine whether pony trekking initiatives in Lesotho can yield maximum possible economic, social and environmental benefits for the present and future host communities. While investigating its potential to meet the needs of host communities for improved living standards, it also examines whether this tourist product satisfies the demands and expectations of visitors. The field work described in this dissertation was carried out in three pony trekking centres, namely: the government owned Basotho Pony Trekking Centre located at Molimo-Nthuse in the Maseru district; the privately owned Malealea Pony Trekking Centre at Malealea in the Mafeteng district; and the community owned- Khohlonts'o Pony Trekking Centre at III Bokong in the Thaba-Tseka district. This study has revealed that pony trekking activities provide substantial socio- economic opportunities for local communities along the trek routes and around the trekking centres, from the renting of overnight facilities and horses, the production and selling of crafts and tour guiding by local people. Furthermore, the majority of members of pony trekking associations surveyed revealed high support for the activity due to the economic benefits. It was also found that the demands of the majority of visitors are being met. They were satisfied with the facilities and services offered in these centres and regarded public reception as being good. Though pony trekking contributes to social upliftment of the host communities, it is found, however, that there are major drawbacks. The survey indicates that at present limited number of people are involved or participate in pony trekking associations. Not only that, but even communities that are directly involved in pony trekking associations do not have control of such initiatives. Further, the survey shows that there is insufficient community capacity building and lack of government involvement in funding in the investment in infrastructure. Finally, the potential to attract more visitors remains relatively untapped due to a lack of proper marketing strategies; a lack of integrated marketing efforts in promotional campaigns; and weak advertising of the product between the public and private sectors. On the basis of these findings suggestions are made for further improvement. These include, firstly, a need to launch education and awareness programmes on the important role that tourism can play in socio-economic development of the communities. Secondly, more opportunities for the local population and new areas for pony trekking development should be opened. Finally, stronger support, from both the government and private firms for the tourist industry is needed. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

The staging of sport mega-events such as the Football or FIFA World Cup has drawn much attention from different countries, as a result they bid to host such events because of the social, economic and political positive spin-offs associated with them (Swart and Bob, 2004; Grundling and Steynberg, 2008). Deccio and Baloglu (2002) assert that sport mega-events, because of their magnitude and size, have the potential of not only impacting upon the host cities but their impacts can also be felt in the periphery of the host cities. Cornelissen and Swart (2006) specifically state that the winning of the 2010 FIFA bid presents a challenge to the South African government on delivering on its promise of improving the lives of all South Africans through hosting the 2010 event. Rural communities in South Africa remain marginalised and often impoverished. Deccio and Baloglu (2002) argue that most studies about sport mega-events focus on the host city’s resident’s perceptions and neglect the perceptions of the non-host rural communities. This study specifically assesses what rural communities and Park Managers expect (both the costs and benefits) from the 2010 event and how they are planning to use the event to their advantage. This is a particularly neglected area of research in relation to mega-events. Questionnaires were administered to 100 household respondents in two rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (Izibukwana which is close to Durban, one of the semi-final host cities and Makhowe which is approximately 200 km away from Durban). Telephonic interviews were conducted with the Park Managers (one from Tala Private Park and another from Ezulwini Private Park, in KwaZulu-Natal). The findings of the study reveal perceptions of different stakeholder groups (rural communities and Park managers) about the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup. The results indicates that the socioeconomic status of the respondents was low because of reasons such as high unemployment rate, lower level of education, low income level and also lack of basic services. Most of the community respondents and both Park managers indicated that the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be the best ever and leave positive legacies for South Africa. However, the Park managers indicated that they do not think that the 2010 event, since it will be a once-off event, will have any positive impacts or leave any legacies for their Parks as they are already well established ecotourism sites. The Park managers also indicated that they are not preparing for the 2010 event since they already have improved infrastructure such as accommodation areas that can cater for the visitors who will be coming for the 2010 event. Furthermore, linkages/ partnerships linked to 2010 do not exist and Park managers do not see this happening. The results also indicate that communities expect direct benefits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, most community respondents indicated that they can mostly benefit directly from the 2010 event if they can establish a relationship or form partnership with their adjacent Parks. What also emerges as a critical finding is the linkages with tourism enterprises located in or in close proximity to the rural communities. It is envisaged that these linkages need to be strengthened to ensure that socio-economic opportunities related to the hosting of the World Cup are developed in rural areas. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This dissertation looks at how ecotourism can help develop the Etsheni Living Heritage site. There are many ways that can be used to develop a place but this work specifically uses ecotourism as a vehicle for developing this area. Because of the natural resources that are found at Etsheni this research also looks at how these resources can be preserved and sustained in a positive way. The community itself is confronted with many challenges with regard to the development of their place. This study focuses on the theory that can be used in order to ensure that the local community benefits from their living heritage site. / Thesis (M.A.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Tyrimo tikslas: Ištirti ekoturizmo integravimo į sveikatos turizmą galimybes. Tyrimo objektas: Ekoturizmo integravimo galimybės. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Išanalizuoti sveikatos turizmo ir ekoturizmo sampratas. 2. Apžvelgti sveikatos turizmo ir ekoturizmo situaciją Lietuvoje. 3. Atskleisti ekoturizmo integravimo į sveikatos turizmą galimybes. Tyrimo metodai: mokslinės literatūros analizė, individualusis giluminis interviu, aprašomoji statistika. Rezultatai ir išvados: Sveikatos turizmas tai keliavimas siekiant gydytis jau esamas ligas ar traumas arba siekiant prevenciškai pasirūpinti savo sveikata. Jo ištakos siekia ankstyvąsias civilizacijas, tęsiasi ir plečiasi iki pat šių dienų. Ekoturizmas turi daug bendrų bruožų su nuotykių turizmu, gamtos turizmu, paplūdimių turizmu bei kultūros turizmu, tačiau yra išskirtinis dėl savo tikslų, kuriais siekiama mažinti iki minimumo keliaujančiųjų daromą neigiamą įtaką aplinkai, užtikrinti natūralią vietovės aplinkos išlaikymą, naudą vietinėms bendruomenėms bei turistų švietimą ekologiniame kontekste. Sveikatos turizmas ir ekoturizmas turi daug bendrų bruožų (švari aplinka, žmogaus gera savijauta ir kt.), todėl gali būti apjungiami. Lietuvos sveikatos turizmo potencialą lemia gamtinė aplinka ir ištekliai bei įgyta patirtis bei teigiamas įvaizdis tarp turistų. Šalia tradicinio Lietuvoje sveikatinimosi (sanatorinių) paslaugų, didėja klientų, kurie domisi sveikatingumo paslaugomis. Atlikus empirinį tyrimą ir išanalizavus gautus rezultatus... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Objective of research: Examine possibilities of ecotourism integration into health tourism. Object of research: Possibilities of ecotourism integration. Tasks of research: 1. Analyze conceptions of health tourism and ecotourism. 2. Review current situation of health tourism and ecotourism in Lithuania. 3. Explore possibilities of ecotourism integration into health tourism. Conclusions: Health tourism is defined as travelling in order to cure current diseases or traumas or take care of health. It’ origins reaches ancient civilizations but continues and develops to the present day. Ecotourism has lots of common features with adventure, nature, beach and culture tourism branches. Nevertheless it’s unique due aspiration to minimize damage or negative influence to environment which might be done by travelers. Lithuania’s health tourism potential is determined by nature environment and resources and also experience and positive image among the tourists. Lithuanian health tourism potential is determined by nature environment and resources and also gained experience and positive image among the tourists. Together with traditional Lithuanian medicine services amount of clients who are interested in wellness also increases. After empirical research and analyze of results cleared out that the wellness experts of different companies marketing departments agreed that ecotourism could be integrated into health tourism. They pointed out that it should be offered as additional service... [to full text]

SANTRAUKA RAKTINIAI ŽODŽIAI: [darnumas, darni plėtra, darnus turizmas, ekoturizmas, kaimo turizmas] Skatinant darnumo idėjas Lietuvos visuomenėje labai svarbu vystyti tokias ekologiškojo turizmo šakas, kaip ekoturizmą ir kaimo turizmą, kurios Lietuvoje dar mažai šiuo metu plėtojamos, tačiau turi didelį potencialą. Tyrimo objektas – darnumas kaimo turizme ir ekoturizme. Tyrimo tikslas – išanalizuoti turizmo plėtros galimybes darnaus vystymo kontekste. Magistro darbą sudaro trys pagrindinės dalys. Pirmoje dalyje atskleidžiama darnaus vystymosi teorijos esmė, samprata ir pagrindiniai aspektai, įvertinamas darnaus turizmo daromas poveikis aplinkai, ekonomikai, kultūrai, bei išskiriami kaimo turizmo ir ekoturizmo pagrindiniai bruožai. Antroje dalyje pateikiama kaimo turizmo ir ekoturizmo raida pasauliniu bei Lietuvos mastu. Siekiama paneigti ar patvirtinti vieną iš iškeltų hipotezių. Trečiojoje dalyje pateikiami ir įvertinami tyrimų rezultatai bei pateikiamos išvados. Siekiama paneigti ar patvirtinti vieną iš iškeltų hipotezių. Hipotezę:„Kaimo turizmas Lietuvoje sparčiai auga, o tuo metu kitoje darnaus turizmo šakoje, ekoturizme jaučiamas nuosmukis“, reiktų laikyti dalinai teisinga. Augant kaimo turizmo šakai Lietuvoje, ekoturizmo šakos populiarumas auga taip pat. Hipotezę: „Lietuvoje kaimo turizmo sodybų savininkai vis labiau prisitako prie turistų poreikių, tuo pačiu perimdami turistų srautus iš ekoturizmo“. Ekoturizmas nusileidžia kaimo turizmui pagal turizmo paslaugos... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / DYGLIENĖ, Raimonda. (2007) Sustainable Aspect in the Development of Tourism. MBA Graduation Paper. Kaunas: Kaunas Faculty of Humanities, Vilnius University. 95 p. SUMMARY KEYWORDS: [sustainable, sustainable development, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, rural tourism] When promoting ideas of sustainability in Lithuanian society it is very important to develop branches of the ecological tourism such as ecotourism and rural tourism that currently are less developed in Lithuania however posses a great potential. The object of research is sustainable in rural tourism and ecotourism. Purpose of the research was to analyze possibilities for tourism development in the context of sustainable development. This scholarly paper for master’s degree consists of three major parts. The first part reveals the essence, concept and the main aspects of sustainable development theory, assesses impacts of sustainable development on the environment, economy, culture, and distinguishes the key features of rural tourism and ecotourism. The second part presents evolution of rural tourism and ecotourism on the global and Lithuanian scale with the aim to deny or confirm one of the stated hypotheses. In the third part findings of the research are presented and assessed and conclusions are made with the aim to deny or confirm one of the stated hypotheses. Hypothesis that “Rural tourism is rapidly growing in Lithuania while in the other branch of sustainable tourism decline is experienced” should be... [to full text]

Since its inception, ecotourism has been promoted as a solution to some of the problems of biodiversity conservation. It has been touted as having the potential to balance the diverse interests of various publics by ensuring the protection of landscapes from development and extraction, offering unique tourism experiences, contributing economically to local communities, and fostering support for conservation efforts. Inconsistent success in achieving these goals, however, suggests that the effectiveness of ecotourism ought to be assessed on a case-specific rather than an industry-wide basis. Further, different stakeholders are likely to perceive the impacts of ecotourism in very different manners. The research on ecotourism and conservation rarely considers multiple perspectives, instead reflecting a one-sided understanding of the issues. As a step towards addressing these shortcomings, this thesis brings to light differing perspectives of ecotourism at the site of Algonquin Provincial Park. Through interviews and surveys, I uncover differences in conceptualisations of key ideas of conservation, knowledge of Algonquin Park, and perspectives of ecotourism between two primary groups of participants: tourists visiting the park and residents living in surrounding areas. Their responses reveal that, to residents, the park is a representation of livelihood; for tourists, the park represents ???pristine nature.??? The park is staged for its various publics, strategically representing only those aspects that will be looked upon favourably to a given group. These multiple constructions may be beneficial, however, as diverse viewpoints of these participants prompted attitudes and behaviours that were advantageous to the varied objectives of the park???s mandate, ultimately contributing to the success of the park as a site of landscape and biodiversity conservation.