Assessing Community Support and Sustainability for Ecotourism Development

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Abstract
This article develops a psychometrically reliable and valid measurement instrument of community assessment and support for the development of an ecotourism project. Based on an application of this instrument, recommendations are made regarding the type and importance of activities and promotions needed to sustain an ecotourism project from the perceptions of the local residents who are willing to pay a fee to attend associated events and activities. Specifically, ecotourism sustainability is more likely to occur when (1) the community is actively involved in the design and development of an ecotourism project and consequently becomes more environmentally conscious, (2) the community leaders develop and support programs for families and children to learn more about environmental conservation and preservation, and (3) community tourism decision makers recognize the importance of promoting and publicizing the potential economic benefits as a result of a community’s ecotourism development.