Ecotourism : the potentials and pitfalls

tourists alone made more than 4 million nature-oriented trips to foreign countries in 1980. However, while the "ecotourism" (or nature tourism) trend may generate revenue for local and regional economies, it also places potentially destructive demands on ecosystems and natural resources. This study focuses on the impact of ecotourism in five Latin American and Caribbean countries -- Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, and Mexico -- where the influx of nature-loving tourists is known to be significant. It documents the overall characteristics, effects, and growth potential of ecotourism and presents case studies of two protected areas in each of the five countries. Many of the park sites included in the study are inadequately protected and managed, and most lack funds for these activities. While only minimal tourism-related environmental degradation was discovered in the parks, comprehensive scientific studies have yet to be conducted. In conclusion, the study highlights critical issues in the development of ecotourism and recommends tourism-oriented measures to improve protected area planning and management throughout the region.