Honors Theses
Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Croft Institute for International Studies
First Advisor
Holly Reynolds
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This paper examines three ecotourism endeavors in Costa Rica in order to answer the following question: can an enterprise fulfill all the definitional requirements for ecotourism and at the same time be both economically and environmentally viable? I first provide a discussion of the origins and conceptual views of ecotourism, then chart the evolution of ecotourism in Costa Rica. Next, three case studies are presented, each representing a different ecotourism model found in the country. Data presented in the case studies were compiled from site-specific primary data sets and interviews, Costa Rican government primary sources, and academic publications. For each model, the example studied proved to be economically viable over time and beneficial for the surrounding community in both economic and environmental terms. As a result, I have determined that it is possible for an ecotourism endeavor to be both economically and environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, I have identified five factors that play an important role in the economic success of true ecotourism businesses. These are. 1) initial marketability of the site; 2) a distinguishing element; 3) ease of transportation and access; 4) a source of capital; and 5) marketing and publicity.
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Corey Harmon, "Ecotourism in Costa Rica: A Study of the Viabilities and Impacts of Three Ecotourism Models" (2005). Honors Theses. 2411.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2411
Accessibility Status
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