TITLE:
Ecotourism, Stated Preferences, a Paradox between Environmental Awareness and Environmental Actions: The Case of Monteverde, Costa Rica
AUTHORS:
Irene Alvarado-Van der Laat
KEYWORDS:
National Parks, Ecotourism, Environmental Awareness, Willingness-to-Pay, Stated Preference
JOURNAL NAME:
Low Carbon Economy,
Vol.6 No.4,
December
18,
2015
ABSTRACT: This study aims to
assess the relation between the so called “Ecotourism” behavior and Willingness-To-Pay
(WTP) in order to compensate on site for their carbon foot print, plus their
familiarity with common environmental terms, in the Monteverde Region of Costa
Rica. A Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was decided upon as the best way to
determine the willingness to pay (WTP). While the scope of this study is
limited by the low season for tourism, the study finds a paradox between the
behaviors of the self-called ecotourist suggesting that the term is more
related to the location of the area visited, rather than any attempt by the
tourist to alter their travel behavior. That could have a negative impact on
the very wildlife where the park is trying to protect.