Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Publication Title

European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation

First Page

77

Last Page

94

Additional Publication URL

http://www.ejthr.com/info/ver_pagina.php?tab=paginas&id=6

Abstract

Education of tourists at nature-based lodges is an important but under-researched component of ecotourism. This paper proposes a framework that identifies and develops a typology of possible educational goals and activities in an ecotourism context. Using data from interviews and participant observation at fourteen leading ecolodges in Costa Rica and Panama, the paper describes, classifies and compares educational efforts directed toward ecolodge guests, with a particular emphasis on the role of nature guides in the educational process. Relationships among several educational goals, tourists' satisfaction, and views of the performance of nature guides are uncovered and explicated. Multiple managerial implications and propositions for future research are offered.

Rights

This article was archived with permission from Instituto Politecnico Leiria, all rights reserved. Document also available from European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation.

Download

Share

COinS