The meta-analysis of Ecotourism in National Parks

Abstract

The concept of ecotourism offers sustainability in the development of tourism, particularly nature-based tourism. Ecotourism is conducted by minimizing the negative impacts of tourism implementation on the environment and culture so that future generations can enjoy the benefits of this tourism implementation. However, several studies have found that ecotourism also has negative impacts. A number of meta-analysis studies in the context of ecotourism have not specifically addressed the negative impacts of ecotourism, especially in national parks. Therefore, this study endeavored to synthesize the available literature to understand the effects of ecotourism on national parks. This was done by systematically reviewing and analyzing the literature of the past 12 years. The main attention was directed on the recommendations from previous studies which examined the management of national parks with an ecotourism approach. This study provides recommendations on ecotourism management carried out in national parks, namely: the restrictions of flora type in the development of ecotourism infrastructure, environmental activities management, attractions management, role sharing management, participation management, marketing and de-marketing management, ecotourism labeling and certification, segmentation strategy, conflict management, interpretation strategy, service strategy, resources management, communication management, total quality management, tourist demographic management, as well as collaborative management.

Keywords

• ecotourism
• national parks
• negative impacts
• ecotourism management
• ecotourism recommendations