Nature-oriented tourism in Costa Rica and Ecuador : diagnosis of research needs and project opportunities

This paper is a preliminary investigation of the opportunities for projects to promote the growth of such "ecotourism." The author discusses each country with respect to its: natural history attractions (including, e.g., parks, reserves, specific varieties of flora and fauna, active volcanoes); image among natural historians; rationale for encouraging nature-oriented tourism; and the structure of the tourist industry. Constraints on nature-oriented tourism - inadequate infrastructure and facilities, shortages of park service personnel and experienced guides, poor park management, and inadequate protection of visitors - are examined as well, along with the need to put much greater emphasis on marketing and promotion. Recommendations are made in three broad areas: promotion, marketing, and management.