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For more information about the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and about training and career opportunities, please contact:

Undergraduate:
ugarec@ag.arizona.edu
Phone: (520) 621-6244

Graduate:
garec@ag.arizona.edu
Phone: (520) 621-2421

Related Links:

The International Ecotourism Society's Ecotourism Explorer

World Tourism Organization

Ecotourism
A Niche Market for Rural Development

Tourism is one of the leading economic activities in the world. The industry supported 262 million jobs in 1996--over 10 percent of global employment. As rural communities in the U.S. look for ways to enhance their economies, many are turning their attention towards tourism. However, these areas often lack the facilities and resources to compete in the larger tourism market. By focusing on a "niche" market, rural communities can attract visitors with special interests.

Ecotourism is one of the biggest growth areas for tourism in the 1990s. A basic definition of ecotourism is responsible leisure travel to natural areas by visitors who are interested in conservation and supporting local communities. This is a promising niche market for rural areas in Arizona that have striking outdoor features. Income from ecotourism may provide incentives to protect wildlife habitats and conserve natural areas that otherwise would be used for farming, forestry, or mining.

To compete in any niche market, communities need information about the type of visitors they hope to attract. Visitor surveys and economic studies have provided details about ecotourists' interests, characteristics, and spending patterns. For example, an economic study in Southeastern Arizona showed that nature tourists spent more money on average than other types of visitors to the area. Other studies have shown that ecotourists tend to be well educated, with higher income levels, and are interested in photography, history, and the outdoors.

Faculty Involvement
Bonnie Colby conducts research in natural resource allocation and environmental economics. She has been involved in nature tourism studies in Southeastern Arizona.

Student Involvement
Kristine Crandall, M.S. graduate and research assistant, helped conduct visitor surveys at ecotourist sites in Southeastern Arizona. She currently operates her own economics consulting business.

Tom Arnold, M.S. Graduate, works for a large municipal water supplier helping them to understand the economic and rate payer implications of their water supply and water quality choices.

Additional Readings
Ecotourism Society. Ecotourism Guidelines for Nature Tour Operators. North Bennington, VT, 1993.

Leones, J., B. Colby, and K. Crandall. "Tracking the Expenditures of the Elusive Nature Tourists of Southeastern Arizona." Journal of Travel Research, Winter 1998.

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