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Publications > Reports > Market Studies
The Market for Responsible Tourism Products with a special focus on Latin America and Nepal,
This report, commissioned by SNV Nepal and written by David Krantz and CREST, provides market data and effective marketing strategies to assist tourism businesses and networks in Nepal and six Latin American countries (Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru) where SNV is involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening responsible tourism. Broadly stated, this report examines the consumer and industry demand and major trends for responsible tourism in key outbound countries (or source markets) in Europe (Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and North America (United States and Canada). The report is a useful guide for managers of sustainable tourism businesses and Destination Management Organizations seeking to attract conscientious consumers.
"Consumer Demand and Operator Support for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Ecotourism"
Despite recent setbacks to the international tourism industry, including economic recession, disease outbreaks, terrorist attacks, and the war on terrorism, both consumers and travel companies show strong support for responsible tourism. Through a survey of recent studies of tourists and tour operators in the US, Europe, Costa Rica, and Australia, this report by Zoe Chafe shows that consumers are willing to pay more for ethical practices, contribute to community projects, and support tourism certification programs. It discusses responsible tourism challenges, such as confusions from competing eco-labels; and conundrums, including tourists' professed interest in using hotels that protect the environment, yet lack of inquiry about hotel policies. A four page summary of this report is also available.
Available for free in .pdf or as a hard copy ($6).
"Giving a Grade to Costa Rica's Green Tourism"
Martha Honey explains how in the late 1980s, Costa Rica was turned from a staging ground for the US-funded contra war into a laboratory for "green" tourism. By 1993, tourism had become Costa Rica's number one foreign exchange earner, surpassing coffee and bananas. And, propelled by ecotourism, environmentalism had taken root in the national consciousness-just as a tradition of nonmilitarism had done earlier. Ecotourism has become part of a Costa Rican "self-identity." However, the "ecotourism" label is also slapped on "greenwashed" scams, but two certification programs help tourists find the real thing. Despite the green brush that is dragged over many hypes and shams, Costa Rica also contains scores of genuine ecotourism businesses that are working hard to be low impact, good environmental stewards, socially responsible, culturally respectful, and beneficial to surrounding communities.
Can be found in NACLA Report on the Americas, Volume 36, Number 6, May/June 2003.
To purchase a publication, please contact David Krantz at dkrantz@responsibletravel.org