Destination Resource Management: Integrating Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Due to its natural resource richness, Costa Rica has become one of the key ecotourism destinations in the world. However, the social, economic and environmental impacts of ecotourism have resulted in over-crowding, degradation of precious resources for both locals and wildlife. This dissertation is in two parts, the first explores the theoretical gaps in the sustainable tourism literature, the second identifies the key issues at the fieldwork case study destination of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. The project was sponsored in kind by the Costa Rica National Tourism board. The key findings reveal the urgent need for local communities to be involved in the planning of eco-tourism. For improved visitor management techniques for both human and natural resources and for destinations which facilitate 'power to' rather than 'power over' host communities.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

MSc Tourism Management

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Masters thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Surrey

Year dc:date.issued

1994

Author dc:creator

• McGrath, G.

• Sustainable resource development, national park management, carrying capacity, interpretation for conservation

Identifier

oai:westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk:wz890

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk:wz890