Profiling Ecotourists at a South African Wetland Park Based on Demographics and Participation in Ecologically-responsible Tourism Practices

Abstract

Wetland Parks are some of the most treasured destinations conserving rich natural and cultural tourism resources. As such, wetland parks are emerging as conducive for ecotourists to create memorable tourism experiences. Despite emerging as suitable areas for the creation of memorable ecotourism experiences, some wetland parks are currently attracting low numbers of eco-tourists, which might be linked to their failure to meet customer needs. Considering the potential of iSimangaliso Wetland Park (IWP) and because empirical studies of this nature are scarce in developing countries, this study aimed to profile ecotourists at IWP. To reach this aim, a quantitative survey was conducted at IWP with 323 conveniently and purposively sampled respondents. Data were collected using closed-ended questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results reveal that most ecotourists to IWP are domestic ecotourists aged between 31 and 40 years. The ecotourists are motivated by the need to relax and enjoy leisure. The ecotourists participate in different ecologically-responsible tourism practices with the most popular form being sustainable, nature and low-impact tourism practices. However, their participation in environmental tourism forms varies in terms of demographic factors. Understanding ecotourists' demographics and participation in ecologically responsible inclined tourism is imperative in setting management and marketing strategies.

Keywords

• ecotourism
• ecotourists
• ecologically responsible tourism
• isimangaliso wetland park
• wetland parks