Title

Ecotourism and simulated attractions: Tourists' attitudes towards integrated sites in a desert area

Authors

Authors

A. Reichel; N. Uriely;A. Shani

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Sustain. Tour.

Keywords

desert tourism; ecotourism; post-modern tourism; sustainable development; POSTMODERN TOURISM; ISRAEL; Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism

Abstract

This paper examines the attitudes of tourists towards a conceptual planning approach, which combines elements of ecotourism with themed and simulated attractions for sustainable tourism development in desert areas. Based on a survey of 453 tourists, the study examines respondents' preferences regarding the suggested contents and facilities of tourist attractions to be developed in the Israeli desert area of the Negev. The findings indicate that the respondents do not necessarily see contradictions between the seemingly irreconcilable ecotourism elements and themed simulations. They expressed clear preference for the development of sites with appropriate infrastructure and themed simulations that preserve local nature and culture. The findings are discussed within the frameworks of ecotourism, post-modern tourism, and tourism development in desert areas.

Journal Title

Journal of Sustainable Tourism

Volume

16

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

23

Last Page

41

WOS Identifier

WOS:000254517500003

ISSN

0966-9582

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