Ecotourism as a development strategy: experiences from Costa Rica

J.F. Koens, C. Dieperink, M. Miranda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This article reflects on the Costa Rican experiences with ecotourism by assessing the positive and negative environmental, economic and social impacts of ecotourism development at four tourist destinations—Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tortuguero and ASCOMAFOR. These destinations represent different stages of tourism development. The assessment shows that the development of ecotourism has a dilemma character. Compared to alternative land-use options, ecotourism remains a promising development strategy. However, it should be embedded in a broader process of capacity building.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1225-1237
Number of pages13
JournalEnvironment, Development and Sustainability
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Costa Rica
  • Development strategy
  • Ecotourism
  • Impact assessment
  • Sustainable tourism

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ecotourism as a development strategy: experiences from Costa Rica'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this