Conceptual Framework of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is defined as a “purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people” (McCormick, 1994).   Based on this definition, the conceptual framework was formulated.  The  operationalization of the framework included an assessment procedure, the ecotourism standards and its corresponding management guidelines. and a communication plan. These tools were guided by the principles presented by Jeffries (1997) on biodiversity and conservation, Kersten (1997) on Community Based Ecotourism and Community Building, Kusler (1991) on Strengthening Resource Conservation through Ecotourism, and McCormick (1994) on how ecotourism can save a rainforest.   Furthermore, the experiences gained by Regis et al. (2000) from the Ecotourism project for the two municipalities of Sorsogon reinforced the management guidelines put together based on the Philippine situation.