The demand for ecotourism in northeastern Italy

摘要

After a short discussion of the meaning of the term 'ecotourism' and problems associated with estimating the demand for, and pursuit of, ecotourism in NE Italy, results are presented of two telephone questionnaire surveys into recreational activities undertaken by people living adjacent to mountain areas in two regions of NE Italy (the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia). Data are tabulated of visits made, areas visited, and recreational activities undertaken. It is concluded that many visits to nature reserves, regional or natural parks were made in order to follow general outdoor activities, which were not 'ecotourism' as often defined in the literature, but which accounted for a significant number of visits.