Accreditation analysis of ecotourism management for recreational rafts in Cigu Lagoon, Tainan City with MNEAP and METAP
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
Ang, Chian-Ming
Abstract
With the improving ecotourism prospect, Qigu Wetlands recreational business owners need to conceive a strategy to overcome the mobility, uncertainties and complexities when facing many unknown factors derived from law and regulations requirements, social responsibilities, environment protections, cost controls et al. Thus, The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of ecotourism certification and accreditation programs on the local industry in term of business practices and cultures based on Modified Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program, 3rd Edition (MNEAP), by Australia Ecotourism Association, and Modified Ecotourism Tour Accreditation Program (METAP), by Taiwan Ecotourism Association. Survey data were collected from Oct 2010 to Oct 2011. Methodologies are as follows 1. Observation 2. Expert assessment and discussion 3. Focus group study and assessment of 12 businesses at Qigu Wetlands and Recreational area. The result indicates that the performers "A" with the businesslike concept not only achieve high scores but also meet various business expectations in many MNEAP and METAP evaluations respectively. The skills and quality of ecotourism presenters and the public conservation activities from the top performers outperform their counterparts; whereas, the quality of ecotourism services, target audience, or the location of the recreational area has little impact on the overall scoring. The results of MNEAP and METAP highlight evaluation criteria differences between them. This finding reveals the problems facing the business operation and management by local businesses, which relied on heavy government subsidization, lack entrepreneurial spirit, insufficient human resources training and planning.
Subjects
Ecotourism
accreditation program
businesslike concept
Type
thesis
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