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

    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

    Share

    COinS