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Ecotourism:
towards congruence between theory and practice
Sheryl Ross*, Geoffrey Wall
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ont, Canada N2L 3G1
Abstract
This paper and its successor examine the gap between ecotourism theory as revealed in the literature and ecotourism practice as
indicated by its on-site application. A framework is suggested which, if implemented through appropriate management, can help to
achieve a balance between conservation and development through the promotion of synergistic relationships between natural areas,
local populations and tourism. The framework can also be used to assess the status of ecotourism at particular sites. 1999
Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
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124 S. Ross, G. Wall / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 123—132
2. The nature of ecotourism The above definitions indicate that ecotourism is a com-
plex phenomenon, involving integration of many actors
2.1. What ecotourism is including tourists, resident peoples, suppliers, and man-
agers and multiple functions (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1993).
Ecotourism is usually considered to be more than just They also suggest that, in ecotourism, natural areas and
tourism to natural areas. However, the absence of a wide- local populations are united in a symbiotic relationship
ly accepted definition of ecotourism is associated with through the introduction of tourism.
a lack of consensus concerning the distinctiveness of The authors’ perspectives on ecotourism are congruent
ecotourism and the extent to which it differs from other with the above definitions (Fig. 1). Ecotourism is viewed
forms of tourism. Since the formal introduction of the as a means of protecting natural areas through the gene-
term by Ceballos-Lascurain almost two decades ago, ration of revenues, environmental education and the in-
controversy over appropriate uses for the term and in- volvement of local people (in both decisions regarding
consistency in its application have hindered the deve- appropriate developments and associated benefits). In
lopment of the concept and its practical realization at such ways, both conservation and development will be
specific sites (Reid, 1991; Scace, 1992; Nelson, 1994; promoted in a sustainable forms (all malleable and con-
Bottrill & Pearce, 1995; Lindberg et al., 1997). Through- tested concepts!).
out the 1980s and 1990s, widespread environmental Unfortunately, on the ground, distinction between
interest fostered trendy ‘‘environmental opportunism’’ ecotourism and other forms of tourism are often not
and encouraged loose uses of the pre-fix ‘‘eco’’ (Cater evident and are widely debated. Discrepancies are a re-
& Lowman, 1994). Promotion of eco (-) tourism, with or sult of the variety of different perspectives and criteria
without a hyphen, and in the absence of a clear indication used to distinguish ecotourism. These include the mo-
of meaning, often resulted in use of the term being little tivations for initiating ecotourism (e.g. as a conservation
more than a marketing tactic to give businesses an appar- strategy, a business venture, or as part of an environ-
ent green edge on the competition. However, at the same mental education campaign), the motivations of users
time, world-wide, a growing expanse of land and sea has (are they committed to the conservation ethic or other-
come to be exploited to cater to the demands of an wise?), the presence and scale of environmental, social
expanding number of people seeking nature for pleasure and economic impacts (e.g. can Yellowstone National
and it has become clear that such tourism ultimately Park, US, receiving approximately 3 million visitors per
relies on the availability and quality of natural areas and, year, and Tangkoko Duasudara Nature Reserve, In-
therefore, must be considered alongside strategies for donesia, receiving 2500 tourists annually, both be con-
maintaining and protecting nature. sidered ecotourism destinations?), and the presence and
Those at the forefront of ecotourism research and quality of services offered. Proponents of ecotourism
development now provide definitions which address the have attempted to overcome such differences by deve-
fundamental goals of conservation of natural areas and loping value-laden ethical principles as criteria for dis-
local development. For example, The Ecotourism Society tinguishing ecotourism (Wight, 1993; Cochrane, 1996).
defines ecotourism as
‘‘purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the
culture and the natural history of the environment;
taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosys-
tem; producing economic opportunities that make
the conservation of the natural resources beneficial
to the local people (authors’ italics) (Epler Wood
et al., 1991, 75)’’.
The World Conservation Union’s (IUCN) Commission
on National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA) de-
fines ecotourism as
‘‘environmentally responsible travel and visitation
to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to
enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying
cultural features — both past and present) that pro-
motes conservation, has low visitor impact, and
provides for beneficially active socio-economic in-
volvement of local populations (authors’ italics) Fig. 1. Ecotourism protects the environment while contributing to
(Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996, 20)’’. socio-economic development, and thus strives for sustainability.
S. Ross, G. Wall / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 123—132 125
Ecotourism, by some definitions, requires embodiment of participation and capacity building (Pedersen, 1991). Each
‘‘intrinsic rather than extrinsic values’’ reflecting a ‘‘bio- of these functions is basic to the overall success of
centric rather than homocentric philosophy’’ (Butler ecotourism and, together, they can lead to the fulfilment
cited in Scace, 1993, 65 and 73). In addition to ascribing of more specific objectives (Table 1). These objectives are
to environmental ethics, tourists themselves are des- intertwined because success or failure to achieve one
cribed as ‘‘purposeful’’ and ‘‘environmentally respon- objective may influence the success or capacity to achieve
sible’’ travelers. However, such descriptors do not others. If all of the objectives are met, then ecotourism
address the functions of ecotourism and what it is ex- will have contributed to the resolution of many of the
pected to achieve, nor do they lend themselves readily to conflicts associated with tensions between resource ex-
measurement and evaluation. In addition to a definition ploitation and resource conservation. Furthermore, it is
of what ecotourism is, there should be consideration of implied that true ecotourism can be a sustainable, bene-
what is to be achieved through ecotourism. fiting from natural resources which can continue to be
enjoyed and ‘‘used’’ for generations to come (Fig. 1).
2.2. What ecotourism does
2.3. How ecotourism does what it is prescribed to do
While providing an enjoyable experience in nature, the
fundamental functions of ecotourism are protection of If a consensus can be achieved on what ecotourism is
natural areas, production of revenue, education and local and what it is meant to do, the challenges then lie in
Table 1
Objectives for ecotourism and possible indicators
operationalizing the concept at specific sites; in other flects the extent to which it is able to protect natural
words, managing the strengths, weaknesses and poten- resources and biodiversity, generate money to finance
tials in particular situations. Some authors have sugges- conservation and contribute to the local economy, edu-
ted prescriptions and guiding principles under which, cate visitors and members of local communities and,
they suggest, ecotourism should function (Kusler, 1991; thereby, encourage environmental advocacy and involve
Moore, 1991; Boo, 1992), yet there have been few practi- local people in conservation and development issues. In
cal assessments of the status of ecotourism in specific an ideal ecotourism situation, local residents, protected
locations, partially because standardized, evaluative cri- resources and tourism may each benefit the others in an
teria have yet to be developed (Pearce, 1992; Hvenegaard, interrelated, symbiotic fashion (Fig. 2).
1994; Bottrill & Pearce, 1995; Ceballos-Lascurain, The framework presented in Fig. 2 implies that
1996). tourism, much like any industry striving to be sustain-
Methods to assess and monitor the social and bi- able, should be considered in the contexts of both the
ophysical impacts of tourism include environmental im- natural environment and the aspirations of local commu-
pact assessment (EIA), estimations of carrying capacity, nities. Although simple, the framework emphasizes the
limits of acceptable change (LAC), cost—benefit analysis significance of fostering positive links between people,
(CBA) and visitor impact management (VIM). Other natural resources or biodiversity and tourism. The
evaluations, specifically developed for ecotourism, have strength or weakness of any one link has implications for
measured the degree to which a site achieves the other links. Theoretically, the qualities that emerge from
ideal principles often ascribed to ecotourism (Wallace application of the framework (e.g. local empowerment,
& Pierce, 1996; Lee & Snepenger, 1992). Because each of environmental stewardship, intercultural appreciation)
these methods require measurements against thresholds make the ecotourism paradigm ‘‘whole’’ greater than the
of tourist impacts, or measurements of change, indicators sum of its parts. An examination of the relationships that
are employed for site-specific assessments. Indicators exist, or have the potential to exist, between local com-
may be an effective means for site-evaluations provided munities, natural resource or biodiversity and tourism
they are practical, facilitate prediction, sensitive to tem- may be a good starting point from which to evaluate an
poral and spatial variation, and are relevant to a valid ecotourism site, using a list of relevant indicators in-
conceptual framework (Kreutzwiser, 1993). Standardized formed by consultation with stakeholders (Wallace &
assessment and monitoring could greatly improve the Pierce, 1996). Each relationship is discussed in more
understanding of ecotourism dynamics, the ability to detail below, with examples of characteristics and indi-
identify strengths and limitations, and, most importantly, cators that can be used to assess them.
make contributions to planning, management and deci-
sion-making regarding ecotourism.
Unfortunately, thorough measurements of all aspects 3. Ecotourism interrelationships
and implications of ecotourism are almost impossible to
acquire given the multitude of interrelated variables in- In a symbiotic relationship between local populations
volved (Wall, 1996). Recalling the fundamental functions and protected area resources or biodiversity, local resi-
of ecotourism discussed above, the success of a site re- dents act as stewards of the natural resources and, in
Fig. 2. The ecotourism paradigm: in successful ecotourism, the dynamics between people, resources and tourism are such that each makes positive
contributions to the others.
S. Ross, G. Wall / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 123—132 127
return, they benefit from protected areas through sus- One of the essential elements of true ecotourism is the
tainable harvesting, integrated and multiple use zones, participation and involvement (a ‘‘buying in’’) of the local
and protection of important resources such as water communities and peoples residents in and in close proxi-
catchments. Often, the relationship between local com- mity to a site (Drake, 1991a, b; Boo, 1992; Brandon, 1993;
munities and resource use, particularly in the peripheral Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996). Local participation can be
locations common to many ecotourism sites, is one defined as ‘‘the ability of groups of individuals to influ-
where dependence on resource exploitation is high and, ence the direction and outcome of development pro-
thus, attempts to regulate or prohibit resource use may grams that will affect them’’ (Paul cited in Drake, 1991a,
be unrealistic and antagonistic to local people (Mackin- p. 252) and, one might add, to be beneficiaries of the
non et al., 1986). Livelihoods based on activities such as ecotourism initiative. Local input may help to accom-
slash and burn agriculture, cattle farming, hunting, fish- plish the following important objectives: maintenance of
ing, wood collection, timber harvesting and mineral ex- a dialogue to permit understanding of and address local
traction require substantial amounts of natural resources needs and concerns; avoidance of decisions which may
(water, trees, game, minerals and, most of all, land and impact negatively on local residents; encouragement of
soil) to sustain large populations. Implementation and a form of empowerment or decentralization which allows
enforcement of use restrictions may foster confusion people some control over decision-making that affects
and resentment on the part of local people accustomed to them; creation, clarification and consolidation of stake-
using such lands and resources (Olindo, 1991; Ziffer, holders; encouragement of the development of sym-
1989). In such situations, local people may become oppo- pathetic community leaders (spokespersons, trainees,
nents of tourism and undermine its operation. Such supervisors, advisors); strengthening links between con-
obstacles to the success of ecotourism can often be servation and development goals with local benefits;
countered by involving local people in planning and facilitate the local distribution of benefits; and provide
management processes, whereby they have some control a local capacity to monitor and evaluate progress of
over and agreed-upon access to the resources they re- projects (Brandon, 1993).
quire. Even so, it is quite possible that in some circum- Table 2 suggests examples of indicators which may be
stances local people may not welcome tourism at all and used to assess the status of relationships between people
that view should be respected, but in many developing and protected areas. Relationship indicators are measur-
countries and in peripheral locations in the so-called able variables which may be used to reflect antagonistic
developed countries, tourism is often seen to be one or symbiotic links between people and resources.
among a limited number of development options. An evaluation employing such indicators can provide
Table 2
Examples of indicators which may be used to assess the status of relationships between people and protected areas
insight into the challenges and possibilities for local from ecotourism have been documented both in the form
development, capacity building, and ecotourism. The of increased employment opportunities and incomes,
characteristics of communities will influence the extent to community sharing in the distribution of revenues, and
which ecotourism affects social changes and attitudes compensations. Lindberg and Enriquez (1994) cited sev-
towards tourism and conservation. For example, social eral examples of local earnings from tourism-related em-
and familial cohesion may encourage the spreading of ployment surrounding protected areas in Belize, Nepal,
positive attitudes (if an individual benefits, it may be Costa Rica and Australia. For example, in Nepal, two-
viewed as a benefit to the broader community), in con- thirds of Sagarmatha National Park’s resident families
trast to a community where individuals are only con- receive income from guiding, selling local goods and
cerned for their own personal benefits (Lindberg & clothes, and providing accommodations for tourists
Enriquez, 1994). Furthermore, communities already (Wells, 1993). In addition to economic benefits, tourism
exposed to outside influences, exogenous technological may also contribute to improved intercultural appreci-
advances or other forms of change, will likely respond ation and understanding both for host communities and
differently to development opportunities than popula- for tourists (McNeely et al., 1991). Tourism may instill
tions which have not experienced such changes (Bran- a sense of local pride to villagers (Cater, 1994) and may
don, 1996). Similarly, characteristics of ecosystems reveal promote or strengthen cultural heritage (Brandon, 1996)
a natural area’s capacity to withstand activities such as Examples of such positive contributions have been
resource harvesting, which may be required or desired by documented for Thailand (Brockelman & Dearden,
local communities. 1990), Annapurna, Nepal (Gurung & De Coursey, 1994),
In addition to the benefits which may accrue from and Switzerland (Grahn, 1991).
protection of resources, local residents may receive a var- Thus, the introduction of ecotourism can encourage
iety of benefits from becoming host communities for socio-economic development, if it is desired by the com-
ecotourists. By participating in ecotourism, communities munity. External judgments and assumptions about the
can receive tangible economic, infrastructural and social benefits of development, however conceived, should be
benefits — benefits which are less likely to leak out of avoided. Miller (1980) pointed out that ‘‘Whether in-
the community if participation is local (Cater, 1994) creased economic activity or changes in the educational
(Table 3). In turn, experiences of tourists may be en- system of a rural area are needed or desirable may be
hanced by opportunities to interact with local people. a point of dispute’’. Such a perspective emphasizes again
If positive attitudes to ecotourism are to be fostered, the importance of involving members of destination com-
residents living in or adjacent to a protected area should munities as stakeholders in tourism planning and deci-
be receiving economic and social benefits or compensa- sion making. The interrelatedness of people—resource—
tions which will support or complement their livelihoods tourism relationships is likely to be evident in the
(Lindberg & Enriquez, 1994). Local economic benefits attitudes of local peoples: if local people are already
Table 3
Possible economic, infrastructural and social benefits to local people from ecotourism
disgruntled about resource-use restrictions from pro- 3.2. Revenues from tourism for protected area conservation
tected area regulations, it is likely that this negativity
may influence attitudes towards tourism development. Tourism revenues can make a substantial contribution
However, communities should not be encouraged to be- to the costs of managing protected areas. Lindberg (1991)
come solely dependent upon ecotourism: rather, ecotour- cites many examples of the positive effects tourism rev-
ism ideally should complement other activities and help enues. At Saba Marine Park in the Netherlands, royalties
to diversify an economy. Tourism of any type should not and low entrance fees of $1.00 were earmarked and
be viewed in isolation and its development should be allowed the park to be financially self-sufficient. A sur-
considered as part of a broader plan for the use of plus from tourism revenues (over $560 000/year) at
resources. The challenges in developing such plans Galapagos National Park, Ecuador, allows some funds
should not be underestimated for reasons as diverse as to be redistributed to other protected areas in Ecuador.
the fact that powerful interests may benefit from the However, the magnitude of revenues depends largely on
absence of a plan and governments in some locations the type of management objectives sought (e.g. cost re-
have withdrawn from many planning functions in favour covery or profit maximization) (Lindberg & Huber,
of the operation of an unfettered market. Strengthening 1993) and the type and amounts of revenues pursued
the capacity of host communities to achieve other forms (Table 4).
of positive change, if desired, should be considered There are many other factors apart from those at the
alongside tourism development. site level, which influence the capacity for effective envir-
The contributions which ecotourism can make to onmental education and revenue capturing. National
biodiversity and the integrity of natural areas are as and regional policies will dictate the limits of possible
important as the potentially positive affects on adjacent contributions from tourism revenues (e.g. legal limits to
communities. The provision of environmental education chargeable entrance fees; flow of money to central agen-
through enhancement of opportunities to appreciate cies) and the quality of support available to implement
nature is fundamental to the success of ecotourism. Bio- management strategies. Often it is not possible to
diversity and natural areas can provide this service in earmark revenues which must be remitted to central
return for economic revenues which can contribute to governments and are not returned to the protected area
protected area conservation. Each of these contributions responsible for their collection.
will be discussed in more detail below.
Many people who travel to natural areas do so specifi- Unfortunately, ecotourism will not be successful with-
cally to indulge in experiences with nature, regardless of out effective management (Boo, 1993) and the framework
what activities they choose to do. It is the responsibility which has been presented will be of little consequence in
of the managers of a protected area to ensure the quality the absence of adequate institutional arrangements and
of the available natural experiences and to work towards administrative commitments. The development of posi-
instilling ‘‘transformative values’’ (values which, through tive relationships between people, resources and tourism
a learning experience with nature, yield greater environ- is very unlikely to occur without implementation of effec-
mental awareness, appreciation and respect for nature tive policies, management strategies, and involvement of
(Norton, 1987)). Protected areas can be viewed as natural a wide range of organizations, including NGOs and, in
laboratories, living museums, retreats, havens, and out- developing areas, conservation and development assist-
door schools, and provide unique, interactive opportuni- ance agencies. (Fig. 3). The qualities of protected area
ties for promoting environmental stewardship for both policies and of those who are employed to carry them out
locals and visitors. Education, through passive (in the
form of reading materials, maps, signs, information
centres) and perhaps active interpretation (such as guided Table 4
tours, talk groups, theatre), if not too intrusive and Options for revenue collection (adapted from Lindberg & Huber)
depending upon program objectives, are forms of tourist
management in themselves. They also can add to the 1. Entrance fee
2. Admission fee (for facility use)
visitors’ experiences, direct people towards appropriate 3. Use fee (for gear rentals, camping spots, etc.)
behaviours (Orams, 1995; Bottrill & Pearce, 1995) and, 4. License/permit (e.g. hunting, fishing)
again, encourage appreciation of natural areas which can 5. Sales, concessions, royalties
result in environmental advocacy. Furthermore, people 6. On-site donations
who enjoy a high-quality experience in nature will be 7. Collection from tour operators
8. Collection from other sources related to tourism sector
more willing to pay fees which can be used to maintain (hotels; tourism agencies; transportation taxes)
the protected area.
130 S. Ross, G. Wall / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 123—132
Fig. 3. Management agencies, protected area policies and other organizations such as local NGO’s or development assistance agencies influence the
attainment of symbiotic relationships.
Table 5
Some factors which may influence the success of ecotourism
Training of employees
required
may influence everything from the extent of resource ment-assistance agencies have important roles to play,
exploitation which occurs, to the amount of revenue particularly in rapidly developing tropical countries
generated and the quality of interpretation (Table 5). where funding for the preparation of management plans
NGOs, research teams and conservation and develop- or community development programs may be insufficient
S. Ross, G. Wall / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 123—132 131
and personnel with the necessary knowledge, skills and existence of committed institutions and individuals em-
training may be lacking (Mackinnon et al., 1986). Such powered by effective protected area policies and manage-
agencies may assist in developing data bases for natural ment strategies.
areas and also can provide opportunities for education
and local capacity building through the hiring and train-
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