Editor: David Fennell (Brock University)
Reviews Editor David Weaver (University of South California, USA)
|
Volume: 1 Number: 2 Page: 133–148
|
|
|
|
|
Converting Environmental Concern into Ecotourism Purchases: A Qualitative Evaluation of International Backpackers in Australia
|
|
Stephen Wearing, Sandra Cynn, Jess Ponting and Matthew McDonald
|
|
Despite the provision of 'green' tourism products, research has failed to specifically explore tourists' environmental behaviour in terms of ecotourism purchases within a holiday destination. In exploring
this issue the paper reviews a range of literature concerning the relationship between environmental concern and environmentally responsible purchasing behaviour, and presents a qualitative evaluation of
the ecotourism purchasing behaviour of Australia's 'backpacker' market. Interviews were conducted with backpackers on completion of an ecotour, providing the basis for discussion of a range of possible
explanations for the apparent inconsistencies between environmental concern and purchasing behaviour including problems with sampling, the lack of education and awareness about ecotourism products and accreditation
programmes, and the apparent abandonment of environmental responsibility by tourists whilst on holiday. It is suggested that ecotourism marketing is directed at tourists in the pre-departure/planning phase
of their holiday, perhaps through national tourism organisations in tourism-generating regions, to raise awareness of environmental issues surrounding tourism in natural areas; establish ecolabelling brand
awareness and recognition of 'green' tourism products; internalise individuals' locus of control regarding environmental concerns in their everyday environment; and to circumvent the environmental ethical
malaise which seems to override a tourist's normal environmental concerns and behaviour whilst on holiday.
© Multilingual Matters 2002
Full text PDF
|
