Ecotourism in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico: A conceptual approach.

摘要

The tourism industry is a complex phenomena involving many actors and hard to define conceptual boundaries in terms of what activities are involved, it is organized here by a conceptual framework. In addition, the social, cultural, and environmental impacts which result from tourism development are outlined. New approaches toward tourism require strategies that recognize the importance of quality natural environments, and are oriented toward maximizing returns to the local population. Integrated tourism planning has a much greater potential for effectively sharing the rewards of tourism; and coordinating the phenomena involved in tourism--especially, the establishment of a regional network. Ecotourism offers a similar approach to planning with a focus on experiences of the natural environment. The intended consequence of ecotourism is that associated economic activities will fund--or bring attention to--the conservation of wildlife and ecological resources. Finally, the potential for an ecotourist park is investigated for Coba, Mexico.