Endangered Areas in Central America and Implications for Sustainable Tourism Development
Endangered Areas in Central America and Implications for Sustainable Tourism Development

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the benefits of ecotourism in the Maya Rain Forest of Central America to promote sustainable tourism development. Central America is currently in the primary stages of tourism development and has an abundance of natural resources and cultural history which is advantageous to an ecotourism marketing position. For ecotourism to be successful in the Maya Rain Forest, two significant factors need to be implemented. The first is the use of the Bottom Up Approach when involving the local residents, so they will have input on how the area is to be presented to the tourists. The second factor is to have those who visit the area pay a fee that is designated for the local population. By having both of these factors implemented and demonstrating the benefits of these factors to the local population, the area has the potential to gain the full support of the local population, which is critical to the sustainability of the Maya Rain Forest as an ecotourism destination.

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