The research offered in this submission presents the case for a PhD by portfolio and is presented in two parts: an 'Overview' and 'The Evidence'. It explores the synergies between resource planning, sustainability, and regeneration policy associated with the development of tourism. These processes are linked particularly with environmental and cultural resource issues within European and global contexts as well as more specific planning issues within the UK and Wales. Three projects are presented; they address culture and environmental tourism themes in project 1, specific interests in urban planning, regeneration and tourism in project 2, and rural tourism issues in project 3. The projects follow a chronological course that illustrates how the research has progressed between 1995 and 2003. They show development from an initial broad interest in planning and sustainable development issues, to more focussed work on heritage and cultural tourism niche markets within more recent urban and rural contexts. The findings from the projects explore notions of planning, regeneration, sustainability and the relationships and synergies that occur between these processes and the development of specialist tourism. The research conclusions from all three projects suggest there still remain critical policy, resource planning and management issues for achieving sustainability, protecting resources and developing new tourism opportunities. This is particularly pertinent for the effective implementation of sustainable tourism. Issues concerning the development of niche tourism markets as a sustainable option have been a key research focus. Concerns are raised regarding the role of planning policy, long term strategy, institutional support for sustainable tourism, empowerment of local communities, and tensions between market priorities vis-a-vis conserving environmental and cultural resources. The degree of 'trade off between these often conflicting policy goals are also discussed. In a broader context, evidence from the projects document the changing dimensions of planning, regeneration and sustainable development and tourism policies over nearly a decade and draw conclusions on the challenges still confronting these processes today. In this respect evidence from the projects shows that there is generally more divergence than convergence in policy initiatives which encourage tourism development linked to sustainability. This is particularly the case when alternative forms of tourism are considered. The main conclusion synthesised from the projects illustrate that the development of alternative tourism will challenge resourcing and planning activities as these markets look set to grow over the next decade. The portfolio proposes that developing a framework to ensure the successful implementation of new sustainable tourism markets will make strategic planning an increasingly important priority and a future focus for tourism research in this respect. The emerging and fairly recent concept of 'cultural regeneration' is proposed as a focus for this further research.

胡兆基. / "2004年6月". / 論文(哲學碩士)--香港中文大學, 2004. / 附參考文獻. / 附中英文摘要. / "2004 nian 6 yue". / Hu Zhaoji. / Lun wen (zhe xue shuo shi)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue, 2004. / Fu can kao wen xian. / Fu Zhong Ying wen zhai yao. / 論文摘要（中文） --- p.1 / 論文摘要（英文） --- p.iii / 謝辭 --- p.v / 表目錄 --- p.vi / 圖目錄 --- p.viii / 相片目錄 --- p.x / Chapter 第一章 --- 緒論 --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- 硏究問題 --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- 理念架構 --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- 硏究目的 --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4 --- 硏究的重要性 --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5 --- 論文結構 --- p.7 / Chapter 第二章 --- 文獻及理論回顧 --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1 --- 旅遊業的可持續發展及生態旅遊 --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2 --- 生態旅遊與文化及傳統睿智 --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- 傳統睿智的定義 --- p.15 / Chapter 2.4 --- 傳統睿智的主要功能 --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5 --- 傳統睿智中的遊牧文明 --- p.25 / Chapter 2.6 --- 蒙古族的傳統文明 --- p.28 / Chapter 第三章 --- 硏究地點與硏究方法 --- p.35 / Chapter 3.1 --- 選擇本硏究地點的原因 --- p.35 / Chapter 3.2 --- 本硏究的硏究方法 --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- 質化硏究方法 --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- 大地理論 --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3 --- 質化硏究的資料收集 --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- 個案硏究 --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- 田野硏究的抽樣方法 --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- 觀察結果的記錄 --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4 --- 觀察法 --- p.47 / Chapter 3.5 --- 訪談法 --- p.49 / Chapter 3.6 --- 選址的背景資料 --- p.51 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- 內蒙古的地理位置與槪況 --- p.51 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- 內蒙古的環境問題 --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- 內蒙古全區旅遊經濟區的劃分 --- p.52 / Chapter 3.6.4 --- 本硏究自然保護區的槪況 --- p.58 / Chapter 3.7 --- 實地考察詳情 --- p.64 / Chapter 第四章 --- 內蒙古旅遊業現況 --- p.70 / Chapter 4.1 --- 前言 --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2 --- 內蒙古旅遊業現況 --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- 內蒙旅客人數 --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- 內蒙旅遊業收入趨勢 --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- 內蒙旅遊業收入與其他省份的比較 --- p.75 / Chapter 4.3 --- 生態旅遊在內蒙古的重要性 --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- 內蒙古的保護區 --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- 錫林郭勒典型草原生態旅遊區（國際級保護區） --- p.79 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- 達里湖生態旅遊區（國家級保護區) --- p.80 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- 白音敖包雲杉林生態旅遊區（國家級保護區） --- p.82 / Chapter 4.4 --- 旅遊對內蒙古生態的影響 --- p.83 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- 內蒙古旅遊的破壞 --- p.84 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- 旅遊對錫林郭勒草原保護區生態的影響 --- p.86 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- 旅遊對達里湖保護區生態的影響 --- p.89 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- 旅遊對白音敖包雲杉林保護區生態的影響 --- p.92 / Chapter 4.5 --- 總結 --- p.96 / Chapter 第五章 --- 以民族傳統睿智強化生態旅遊對自然及文化的保育 --- p.97 / Chapter 5.1 --- 前言 --- p.97 / Chapter 5.2 --- 內蒙古的民族傳統睿智 --- p.99 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- 以經濟活動的傳統睿智保持生態系統穩定 --- p.101 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- 遷移性的牧業是蒙古族最主要的傳統睿智 --- p.105 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- 在宗教思想上對大自然肅然起敬的傳統睿智 --- p.109 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- 由居住環境的傳統睿智可知當地人視大地爲母 --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- 從人與人關係及生活習慣的傳統睿智看出居民視草原爲家 --- p.114 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- 以傳統睿智面對生態環境的變化 --- p.118 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- 小結 --- p.122 / Chapter 5.3 --- 適用於生態旅遊的傳統睿智 --- p.124 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- 家庭式旅遊´ؤ´ؤ牧家樂 --- p.127 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- 季節性及地方性遷移旅遊 --- p.137 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- 核心區管理´ؤ´ؤ神林 --- p.147 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- 對生態友善的管理策略 --- p.154 / Chapter 5.4 --- 將傳統睿智融入生態旅遊的實行困難 --- p.161 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- 傳統生態睿智本身的弱點 --- p.162 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- 家庭式旅遊´ؤ´ؤ牧家樂的問題 --- p.163 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- 成本低而環境破壞細的牧家樂旅遊模式對旅客數目的容量較低 --- p.165 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- 人數較少的遷移旅遊容易造成分散破壞 --- p.166 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- 牧民參與旅遊的意願多寡及傳統睿智的傳統性 --- p.167 / Chapter 5.5 --- 總結 --- p.168 / Chapter 第六章 --- 旅遊規劃原則及發展策略 --- p.170 / Chapter 6.1 --- 前言 --- p.170 / Chapter 6.2 --- 內蒙古三個保護區的共同旅遊規劃原則 --- p.173 / Chapter 6.3 --- 達里湖國家級保護區「牧家樂」的發展策略 --- p.181 / Chapter 6.4 --- 錫林郭勒典型草原國際級保護區「轉場」的發展策略 --- p.188 / Chapter 6.5 --- 白音敖包雲杉林國家級保護區「密集管理」的發展策略 --- p.193 / Chapter 6.6 --- 總結 --- p.199 / Chapter 第七章 --- 結論 --- p.202 / Chapter 7.1 --- 主要硏究結果 --- p.202 / Chapter 7.2 --- 硏究的含義及討論 --- p.204 / Chapter 7.3 --- 硏究局限 --- p.206 / Chapter 7.4 --- 建議跟進的硏究 --- p.208 / 參考文獻一中文部份 / 參考文獻二 英文部份 / 附錄 / 附錄一：詳盡考察日程 / 附錄二：綠家園暑期生態遊之行程 / 附錄三：錫林郭勒寄住牧民家庭之行程

Ecotourism has increasingly been adopted in many countries as a responsible and sustainable form of tourism. The role of the private sector in ecotourism development and specifically the involvement of communities in their activities, is of interest given that the global system of development and neo-liberalism, advocates for an increased involvement of the private sector in developmental activities. This thesis aims to explore the relationship between the private sector and surrounding communities in the ecotourism sector using Umngazi River Bungalows in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, as a case study. Literature on neo-liberalism, ecotourism, community participation, and stakeholder theory was used to provide the theoretical framework for the study. A multi-strategy methodology approach was adopted in the study with qualitative and quantitative methods being used. Data analysis included basic quantitative statistical analysis and Dey’s approach of grouping responses for qualitative analysis. The thesis distinguished between three types of ecotourism and social responsibility projects at Umngazi River Bungalows, including service infrastructure, income-generating, and philanthropic projects. It was concluded that those projects where the hotel had substantial operational control were more successful than those that were fully community driven. The hotel was found to practice soft ecotourism. The management of the hotel and communities were proactive in ensuring that the natural environment was protected. The hotel has a positive and open relationship with its employees and the tribal authority in the area, and a conspicuous absence of government involvement as a key stakeholder in the operation of ecotourism in the area was noted. It was also concluded that full participation was not necessarily achieved through involvement in decision making structures, but that communities appeared to be content with the other forms of participation. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

To, Tin Wei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-202). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / 論文摘要 --- p.iii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.v / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.vii / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xiv / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xvi / LIST OF APPENDICES --- p.xviii / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction and background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Tourism in Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Sustainable tourism development in the Hong Kong context --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Tourism cluster --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2 --- Conceptual framework --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research objectives --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4 --- Research significance --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of thesis --- p.17 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1 --- Concept of Sustainable Tourism --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Development and definition of Sustainable Tourism --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Principles of Sustainable Tourism --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Methods of Sustainable Tourism assessment --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- Indicators of Sustainable Tourism --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.3.2 --- Carrying Capacity --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.3.3 --- Other technical measures for Sustainable Tourism assessment --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.3.4 --- Perception study in Sustainable Tourism assessment --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2 --- Clustering of tourism resources --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Tourism cluster --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Advantages of the formation of tourism cluster --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3 --- The role of clustering of tourism resource in Sustainable Tourism development --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4 --- Situation of Hong Kong --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Trend and implementation of Sustainable Tourism in Hong Kong --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Clustering of tourism resource in Hong Kong --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Tourism study conducted on Lantau Island --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- STUDY AREA --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1 --- Inventory of Lantau Island --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Resources and attractions --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Capital --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Policies and planning --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2 --- The Ngong Ping tourism cluster --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Tourist attractions --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.1.1 --- Po Lin Monastery --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.1.2 --- The Big Buddha --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.1.3 --- Ngong Ping 360 --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.1.4 --- Wisdom Path --- p.71 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- METHODOLOGY --- p.73 / Chapter 4.1 --- Tourism Rapid Assessment (TRA) --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2 --- Hierarchical structure of tourism resources inventory of Lantau Island --- p.75 / Chapter 4.3 --- Interviews and questionnaire survey --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Structured interview with stakeholders --- p.79 / Chapter 4.3.1.1 --- Sample selection --- p.79 / Chapter 4.3.1.2 --- Questionnaire design --- p.79 / Chapter 4.3.1.2.1 --- SWOT analysis --- p.80 / Chapter 4.3.1.2.2 --- In-depth open-ended interview --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3.1.3 --- Data analysis --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3.1.3.1 --- Informal content analysis --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Structured questionnaire survey with tourists --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Sample selection --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Questionnaire design --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.2.3 --- Data analysis --- p.84 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Structured interviews with local community --- p.85 / Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Sample selection --- p.85 / Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Questionnaire design --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3.3.3 --- Data analysis --- p.86 / Chapter 4.4 --- Perception of stakeholders as the basis for assessment --- p.87 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- UNDERSTANDING LANTAU ISLAND AND TOURISM CLUSTER FROM STAKEHOLDERS' PERSPECTIVE --- p.90 / Chapter 5.1 --- Results of SWOT analysis from stakeholders' perspective --- p.90 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Strengths --- p.95 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Weaknesses --- p.96 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Opportunities --- p.98 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Threats --- p.99 / Chapter 5.2 --- Understanding Sustainable Tourism and tourism cluster by stakeholders --- p.100 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- "General attitudes about ""Sustainable Tourism""" --- p.101 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Tourism policies and development of Hong Kong and Lantau Island --- p.102 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Tourism cluster on Lantau Island --- p.104 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Performance of Ngong Ping tourism cluster in the context of Sustainable Tourism --- p.106 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- ATTRACTIONS AND PERCEPTION OF NGONG PING TOURISM CLUSTER --- p.110 / Chapter 6.1 --- Results of questionnaire survey with tourists --- p.110 / Chapter 6.2 --- Perception and satisfaction of tourists in Ngong Ping tourism cluster --- p.113 / Chapter 6.3 --- Understanding Sustainable Tourism --- p.119 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Performance of tourism cluster in the context of Sustainable Tourism --- p.122 / Chapter 6.3.1.1 --- Environmental aspect --- p.123 / Chapter 6.3.1.2 --- Socio-cultural aspect --- p.125 / Chapter 6.3.1.3 --- Economic aspect --- p.126 / Chapter 6.4 --- Investigation from the local community perspective --- p.127 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Impacts of Ngong Ping tourism cluster in the context of Sustainable Tourism --- p.128 / Chapter 6.4.1.1 --- Environmental impacts --- p.129 / Chapter 6.4.1.2 --- Socio-cultural impacts --- p.132 / Chapter 6.4.1.3 --- Economic impacts --- p.134 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- DISCUSSIONS - DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ON LANTAU ISLAND --- p.135 / Chapter 7.1 --- Review of tourism policies in Hong Kong and Lantau Island --- p.135 / Chapter 7.2 --- Interests of respondents --- p.140 / Chapter 7.3 --- Meaning and Conceptualization of Sustainable Tourism --- p.142 / Chapter 7.4 --- Potentials and limitations of Lantau Island for Sustainable Tourism development --- p.144 / Chapter 7.4.1 --- Potentials of Lantau Island for Sustainable Tourism development --- p.145 / Chapter 7.4.1.1 --- Natural and cultural resources with diversified attractions --- p.145 / Chapter 7.4.1.2 --- Improved transport networks --- p.146 / Chapter 7.4.1.3 --- Availability of trails --- p.146 / Chapter 7.4.1.4 --- Distinct location: rural destination for leisure --- p.147 / Chapter 7.4.1.5 --- Environmental initiative of The Ngong Ping 360 Project --- p.147 / Chapter 7.4.1.6 --- Nature Conservation Policy --- p.147 / Chapter 7.4.1.7 --- Benefits of tourism clustering for sustainability --- p.148 / Chapter 7.4.2 --- Limitations of Lantau Island for Sustainable Tourism development --- p.149 / Chapter 7.4.2.1 --- Lack of long term vision and holistic planning --- p.149 / Chapter 7.4.2.2 --- Absence of guidelines and regulation for the implementation of Sustainable Tourism practices --- p.150 / Chapter 7.4.2.3 --- Lack of awareness and promotion of Sustainable Tourism --- p.151 / Chapter 7.4.2.4 --- Lack of local community participation --- p.152 / Chapter 7.4.2.5 --- Economic oriented development with many purposely- built artificial attractions --- p.153 / Chapter 7.4.2.6 --- Did not utilize the benefits of tourism clustering --- p.153 / Chapter 7.5 --- Performance of tourism cluster in Ngong Ping in the context of Sustainable Tourism --- p.155 / Chapter 7.5.1 --- Protection of the destination's resources attractions --- p.155 / Chapter 7.5.2 --- Visitor satisfaction with their experience --- p.156 / Chapter 7.5.3 --- Residents assessment on tourism development --- p.157 / Chapter 7.5.4 --- Return on investment --- p.158 / Chapter CHAPTER 8 --- CONCLUSION --- p.162 / Chapter 8.1 --- Summary of findings --- p.162 / Chapter 8.1.1 --- Concept of Sustainable Tourism --- p.162 / Chapter 8.1.2 --- SWOT of Lantau Island --- p.163 / Chapter 8.1.3 --- Performance of Ngong Ping tourism cluster in the context of Sustainable Tourism --- p.165 / Chapter 8.2 --- Strategy and recommendations for Sustainable Tourism Development --- p.166 / Chapter 8.2.1 --- Establishment of vision and principles for Sustainable Tourism development with holistic planning --- p.167 / Chapter 8.2.1.1 --- "Reach consensus, set clear vision with all-inclusive planning" --- p.167 / Chapter 8.2.1.2 --- Conservation of natural environment as the primary principle --- p.170 / Chapter 8.2.1.3 --- Involvement of all stakeholders through consultation --- p.171 / Chapter 8.2.1.4 --- Using research and baseline information --- p.172 / Chapter 8.2.1.5 --- Sustainable Tourism implementation and monitoring --- p.174 / Chapter 8.2.2 --- Promotion of tourism clustering --- p.175 / Chapter 8.2.2.1 --- Enhance the attractiveness of destinations --- p.175 / Chapter 8.2.2.2 --- Enhancing sustainability by tourism clustering --- p.175 / Chapter 8.2.3 --- Utilization of existing resources and encouraging local participation --- p.176 / Chapter 8.2.3.1 --- Make use of existing assets instead of constructing artificial attractions --- p.176 / Chapter 8.2.3.2 --- Encourage more local communities' participation --- p.177 / Chapter 8.2.4 --- "Education, training and provision of sufficient supporting facilities" --- p.178 / Chapter 8.2.4.1 --- Increase awareness on the importance of Sustainable Tourism development --- p.178 / Chapter 8.2.4.2 --- Provision of tour guides and staff training --- p.179 / Chapter 8.2.4.3 --- Provision of sufficient supporting infrastructures and facilities --- p.180 / Chapter 8.3 --- Limitations of the study --- p.181 / Chapter 8.4 --- Recommendations for further studies --- p.183 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.185 / APPENDICES --- p.203

Ecotourism emerged as an alternative form of tourism in the 1990s to mitigate the faults of conventional (mass) tourism in meeting the needs of sustainable development. It has since become widespread in Thailand and is adopted not only in natural areas but also in rural communities. Key elements of ecotourism include a focus on ecological resources, sustainable management, environmental education, and community participation. Community participation receives a high degree of consideration among developers in Thailand. Ecotourism (ET) is seen to support this concept and is increasingly geared in the direction of social development. These trends form the backdrop to this study on community participation in ecotourism development. The study applies a triangulation methodology to collect data by combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, combining theory and empirical study to analyse the context of how local people have participated in ecotourism development. The study pays particular attention to the practices and opinions of local people in recognition of communities' rights and responsibilities in controlling their own development. The empirical study was carried out at two levels, including a general survey by postal questionnaire (thirty-one respondents) and in-depth study in four areas (Umphang, Khiriwong, Sasom and Tha Madua). The research merges theory and practice into an analysis and empirical presentation throughout the study. Theoretically, the thesis is informed by political economy and political ecology approaches, together with the concept of participation in community development and tourism development models. The research found that many communities achieve a degree of self-management in offering tourism services such as homestays, guided tours, cultural performances and cultural products. Community ecotourism organisations have been established in most communities in order to serve these new activities and to create a collective management process. Similarities in pattern and differentiation in practices among many communities were supported by different outside initiatives, developed according to similar aims and involving similar processes, but there is no uniformity or single model that is effectively applied to all communities. One significant barrier for local communities to take a major role in ecotourism is the access to ecotourism resources, which are mostly located in protected areas and are controlled by state agencies. This has led them to promote primarily their own cultural resources. Consequently, these practical changes have led to a transformation of the dominant development concept from Ecotourism (ET) to Community-based Ecotourism (CBET). Results also show that most practices involve a level of cooperation in decision-making and action with other stakeholders who are in a better position to run tourism businesses. It is difficult for local communities to be empowered to control the whole situation, which is sometimes claimed to be the ultimate goal level of local participation. The demands of marketing and conflict in management among local people, together with the limitations in accessing natural resources, are the weakest points of and constraints on the communities. To deal with these limitations, communities try to create relationships with outsiders. To develop better management of community tourism, many communities rely on help and support from outside, especially from government agencies. This, however, impels the community to become dependent on outsiders. It is also hard for communities to generate a high level of income offering basic services, since there are many levels of demand from different types of ecotourists. In summary, the main contributions of this study are: an understanding of community tourism in Thailand; the experiences of ecotourism development in the community from the leading case studies; directions, roles and responsibilities of actors and community organisations in particular; a range of options for community action in support of a more participatory process in ecotourism development. Last but not least is a set of recommendations for community-based ecotourism development from the level of policy application to practical improvement at the community level.

Many countries around the world are looking to tourism as a sustainable solution for economic development and many individuals seek business opportunities in the tourism industry. Researchers in the field of anthropology and other disciplines alike have recorded findings of the environmental, economic and cultural impacts of tourism development that are useful both to tourism promoters and new business developers. While there are a number of negative examples of environmental degradation, economic dependency and cultural exploitation resulting from tourism, there are so few positive models that scholars are now questioning whether tourism is a truly sustainable strategy for prosperity. In particular, ecotourism and nature-based tourism have burgeoned from a perceived prospect of increased environmental, economic and cultural sensitivity, but a watershed of criticism has followed in the wake of their emergence. Critics claim that what is touted as eco-sensitive is just another marketing strategy to attract more people to areas of the world vulnerable to hosting a growing number of guests. Overuse of the term ecotourism has parties involved at all levels of tourism development from host communities, to tourism planners, to scholars questioning what is sustainable ecotourism. Due to this ambiguity, a new term, conscientious tourism, is suggested as a euphemism in order to clarify what type of tourism most contributes to sustainability. Cape Scene magazine has evolved as a conscientious tourism product informing guests visiting South Africa how best to interact with the wildlife, environment and local people. The magazine has coupled interesting feature stories and helpful information on navigating around the Western Cape and Cape Town and includes a useful fold out map. The magazine reaches a broad audience of mass tourists, small group tourists and individuals and groups interested in nature, wildlife and cultural experiences. The magazine also informs readers of local conservation and community development projects ongoing in South Africa. This emphasis has created a conscientious tourism product that informs tourists of the country they are visiting while promoting conservation and social development causes that can be benefited by overseas awareness. As mass tourism will never completely give way to smaller conservation minded guided tour groups, the magazine helps to propel conscientious tourism by reaching out to even the most undiscerning holiday maker. The magazine was created by drawing on graduate internship experiences from coastal Oregon, the Micronesian island of Kosrae and Costa Rica. These internships give insights on how conservation, economic and cultural concerns have been and can be better addressed by local people and local businesses in an effort to work towards conscientious tourism and sustainable development. This thesis explores several ecotourism related projects encountered on the way to developing a conscientious tourism product, Cape Scene magazine. The existing body of tourism literature is considered in relation to the projects encountered and current work with Cape Scene magazine. / Graduation date: 2004

Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes special study report entitled: Management and conservation of the mangrove forest. Includes bibliographical references.

Ecotourism emerged as an alternative form of tourism in the 1990s to mitigate the faults of conventional (mass) tourism in meeting the needs of sustainable development. It has since become widespread in Thailand and is adopted not only in natural areas but also in rural communities. Key elements of ecotourism include a focus on ecological resources, sustainable management, environmental education, and community participation. Community participation receives a high degree of consideration among developers in Thailand. Ecotourism (ET) is seen to support this concept and is increasingly geared in the direction of social development. These trends form the backdrop to this study on community participation in ecotourism development. The study applies a triangulation methodology to collect data by combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, combining theory and empirical study to analyse the context of how local people have participated in ecotourism development. The study pays particular attention to the practices and opinions of local people in recognition of communities' rights and responsibilities in controlling their own development. The empirical study was carried out at two levels, including a general survey by postal questionnaire (thirty-one respondents) and in-depth study in four areas (Umphang, Khiriwong, Sasom and Tha Madua). The research merges theory and practice into an analysis and empirical presentation throughout the study. Theoretically, the thesis is informed by political economy and political ecology approaches, together with the concept of participation in community development and tourism development models. The research found that many communities achieve a degree of self-management in offering tourism services such as homestays, guided tours, cultural performances and cultural products. Community ecotourism organisations have been established in most communities in order to serve these new activities and to create a collective management process. Similarities in pattern and differentiation in practices among many communities were supported by different outside initiatives, developed according to similar aims and involving similar processes, but there is no uniformity or single model that is effectively applied to all communities. One significant barrier for local communities to take a major role in ecotourism is the access to ecotourism resources, which are mostly located in protected areas and are controlled by state agencies. This has led them to promote primarily their own cultural resources. Consequently, these practical changes have led to a transformation of the dominant development concept from Ecotourism (ET) to Community-based Ecotourism (CBET). Results also show that most practices involve a level of cooperation in decision-making and action with other stakeholders who are in a better position to run tourism businesses. It is difficult for local communities to be empowered to control the whole situation, which is sometimes claimed to be the ultimate goal level of local participation. The demands of marketing and conflict in management among local people, together with the limitations in accessing natural resources, are the weakest points of and constraints on the communities. To deal with these limitations, communities try to create relationships with outsiders. To develop better management of community tourism, many communities rely on help and support from outside, especially from government agencies. This, however, impels the community to become dependent on outsiders. It is also hard for communities to generate a high level of income offering basic services, since there are many levels of demand from different types of ecotourists. In summary, the main contributions of this study are: an understanding of community tourism in Thailand; the experiences of ecotourism development in the community from the leading case studies; directions, roles and responsibilities of actors and community organisations in particular; a range of options for community action in support of a more participatory process in ecotourism development. Last but not least is a set of recommendations for community-based ecotourism development from the level of policy application to practical improvement at the community level.

Thesis (M.L.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes special study report entitled : Management and conservation of the mangrove forest. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management