Drawing on case studies from Pacific Islands, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, this book examines ecotourism enterprises controlled by indigenous people in tribal reserves or protected areas. It compares indigenous ecotourism in developed and developing counties and covers cultural ecotours, ecolodges, and bungalows, hunting and fishing tours, cultural attractions and other nature-based facilities or services.

Critical Issues in Ecotourism seeks to shake the current stagnant literature on the subject of ecotourism out of a state of complacency. Drawing upon emerging insights provided by pre-eminent scholars in the field it identifies and comprehensively addresses current critical issues. Accessible to both academic and non-academic audiences, it provides the reader with the following: * A critical, direct and hard hitting analysis of the real issues that apply to the field of ecotourism *Contributions from prominent international scholars that address issues of relevance to a diverse and international readership * Dissemination of the scholarly works of social and natural science addressing this field * A collection of works by outstanding international scholars, in a comprehensively planned and integrated book Incorporating rigorous scientific insights in specialised fields of research, for example, identifying and protecting critical habits where tourists engage with endangered species, Critical Issues in Ecotourism is an important and ground breaking contribution set to expose the increasingly mythologized field of ecotourism.

'Definitely a book that sheds light on perspectives and perceptions about today's global economy. A must read for tourists and corporations alike - also heads of state, the media and environment groups - all of whom need to be informed on this key subject.' Chief Garry John, Chair and Spokesperson, St'at'imc Chiefs' Council 'an activist's call to action on behalf of people who have been made invisible in the merciless spread of globalization under corporate control.' Nina Rao, Southern Co Chair of the Tourism Caucus at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, and Professor of Tourism 'A powerful and much-needed tool to fight the seemingly all-pervasive ignorance in the corporate and consumer-driven world that continues to hail ecotourism and other tourism 'alternatives' as beneficial to local people without looking at the root causes of problems.' Anita Pleumarom, Tourism Investigation and Monitoring Team, Bangkok Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world. Ecotourism, often considered a more benign form of tourism, can in fact cause the most damage, as it targets more vulnerable environments and cultures. Is the Sacred for Sale? looks at our present crossroads in consumer society. It analyses the big questions of tourism, clarifying how tourism can support biodiversity conservation. It also offers a cross-cultural window to the divide between corporate thinking and sacred knowledge, to help us understand why collisions over resources and land use are escalating. Finally, we have a full spectrum of information for healthy dialogue and new relationships. This book is a profound wake up call to the business world and to decision-makers who shape current policy. It poses important questions to us all and is a must read for every tourist and traveller.

This SpringerBrief focuses on the principles of ecotourism such as relevance of the field, origin, fundamental aspects, definitions, philosophy, implications in biodiversity conservation and environmental impacts. Special emphasis is also given to the interaction between ecotourism and education and it is supported by recent publications from the authors.

In a world characterized by an encroaching homogeneity induced by the growth of multi-national corporations and globalization, the causes of difference accrue new levels of importance. This is as true of tourism as in many other spheres of life – and one cause of differentiation for tourism promotion is the culture of Indigenous Peoples. This offers opportunities for cultural renaissance, income generation and enhanced political empowerment, but equally there are possible costs of creating commodities out of aspects of life that previously possessed spiritual meaning. This book examines these issues from many different perspectives; from those of product design and enhancement; of the aspirations of various minority groupings; and the patterns of displacements that occur – displacements that are not simply spatial but also social and cultural. How can these changes be managed? Case studies and analysis is offered, derived from many parts of the globe including North America, Asia and Australasia. The contributors themselves have, in many instances, worked closely with groups and organizations of Indigenous Peoples and attempt to give voice to their concerns. The book is divided into various themes, each with a separate introduction and commentary. The themes are Visitor Experiences, Who manages Indigenous Cultural Tourism Product, Events and Artifacts, Conceptualisation and Aspiration. In a short final section the silences are noted – each silence representing a potential challenge for future research to build upon the notions and lessons reported in the book. The book is edited by Professor Chris Ryan from New Zealand, and Michelle Aicken of Horwath Asia Pacific.

Ecotourism continues to be embraced as the antithesis of mass tourism because of its promise of achieving sustainability through conservation mindedness, community development, education and learning, and the promotion of nature based activities that were sensitive to both ecological and social systems. The extent to which this promise has been realised is open to debate. Focusing on an array of economic, social and ecological inconsistencies that continue to plague ecotourism in theory and practice, the volume examines ecotourism in reference to other related forms of tourism, impacts, conservation, sustainability, education and interpretation, policy and governance, and the ethical imperative of ecotourism as these apply to the world’s greenest form of tourism. Ecotourism is a growing field attracting increasing attention from students and academics. Fennell provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of the most important issues that continue to both plague ecotourism and make it one of the most dynamic sectors in the tourism industry. It covers a comprehensive range of themes and geographical regions. Building on the success of prior editions, Ecotourism has been revised throughout to incorporate recent research and benefits from the introduction of real-life case studies and summaries of recent literature. An essential reference for those interested in Ecotourism, the book is accessible to students but retains the depth required for use by researchers and practitioners in the field. New chapters on the theory and application of animal ethics; community development in sustainable tourism; and education and learning in the field have added further value to an already very comprehensive volume. This book will be of interest to students across a range of disciplines including geography, economics, business, ethics, biology, and environmental studies.

This book provides a comprehensive, detailed and insight rich review of both the positive (capacity building, cultural conservation and economic opportunities) and negative (commodification, cultural change and possible loss of ownership and control) aspects of tourism development in indigenous communities. The relationship between tourism and indigenous people provides the ultimate test of sustainable tourism as a concept for tourism management and cultural conservation. The chapters range geographically from Central and North America, through Africa, and Asia to Australia. Issues covered include governance and engagement, research, minority language issues, visitor codes of conduct, trail development, Indigenous product design, Indigenous urban festivals, Indigenous values and capitalism, gentrification, heritage interpretation, marketing, demand, world views and representation. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Sustainable Tourism.

Ecotourism is a unique facet of globalization, promising the possibility of reconciling the juggernaut of development with ecological/cultural conservation. Davidov offers a comparative analysis of the issue using a case study of indigenous Kichwa people of Ecuador and their interactions with globalization and transnational systems.

This is a unique text examining the role of indigenous societies in tourism and how they interact within the tourism nexus. Unusually, it focuses on the active role that indigenous peoples take in the industry and uses international case studies and experiences to provide global context. Australasian content.

This handbook explores and critically evaluates the debates and controversies inherent to tourism's relationship with nature, especially pertinent at a time of major re-evaluation of our relationship with the environment as a consequence of the environmental problems we now face.