This study explores the concept of ecotourism in terms of Honey’s (2008) seven
principles of ecotourism (involves travel to natural destinations, minimizes impacts, builds
environmental awareness, provides direct financial benefits to conservation, provides financial
benefits and empowerment for local people, respects local culture, and supports human rights
and democratic movements) and their application to the paddling industry of St. Lawrence
Islands National Park (SLINP) and environs. SLINP and environs is located within the Thousand
Islands Region of Eastern Ontario, and for the purpose of this research, includes all of the land
and waterways along the St. Lawrence River extending as far as Jones Creek in the northeast to,
but not including, Howe Island just southwest of Gananoque. The market and demand for
paddle-based recreation in SLINP and environs is examined to determine if ecotourism is a
feasible alternative to conventional tourism. Subsequently, Honey’s (2008) principles of
ecotourism are applied to explore the role of paddle-based recreation within an ecotourism
framework of the defined region. Specific recommendations were developed to better comply
with these principles. General recommendations concerning the universal applicability of the
principles were also prepared and included considerations for quality control measures and
established tourism destinations. Ecotourism has traditionally been viewed as a panacea concept
for developing countries to stimulate the economy, as well as, directly provide support for
conservation efforts. This research instead examines the concept of ecotourism for a relatively
sustainable, single activity within an established tourism destination of a developed country. If
the recommendations are correctly implemented, the long term implications could include a
reshaping of, first, the regional tourism industry and then, potentially the tourism industry at
large, by encouraging a more holistic approach to tourism. / Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2011-10-19 18:23:57.163
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/6852 |
| Date | 02 November 2011 |
| Creators | MCLAUGHLIN, JULIENE MELISSA |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
Page generated in 0.0023 seconds