Involving stakeholders at nature tourism sites: The case of Saint Vincent's tour operators.

摘要

This paper analyses the role of tour operators in creating more positive stakeholder attitudes among locals with regard to nature tourism. The case study is the island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies. The study deals with nature tourism and its impact on the sites visited. The analytical methods include qualitative interviews, participant observation, and a preliminary indicator study. The study finds that the roles of operators in creating a sustainable tourism product are pivotal. Tour operators act as educators and local employers and are potential leaders for the nation's attempts to develop tourism. Mobilizing their efforts faces many problems. It is suggested that St. Vincent's tourism product be geared towards ecotourism and that operators take on greater responsibility, ownership, and stewardship so that tourism can benefit local communities.