Ecotourism: A comparison study in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract

Ecotourism operations have been established all over the world, particularly in developing countries on the assumption that there will be minimum negative impacts, maximum benefits for local people and their environment, and first hand natural and cultural experiences for visitors. But ecotourism areas are rarely compared with other types of tourism areas. This study compares an officially designated ecotourism area with an established trekking/tourism area in terms of environmental, economic and socio-cultural costs and benefits, and tourist experiences. Research data arise from surveys and interviews with local residents, managers and tourists; and participant observation in the Ghalekharka-Sikles Eco-trek area and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail (AST) area of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. For each impact theme a set of key criteria were developed as Likert scales, and put to local residents and managers.