Ecotourism and sustainable development : who owns paradise? / Martha Honey

Includes bibliographical references and index

In search of the golden toad -- The world travel industry : going "green"? -- Ecotourism today -- The Galápagos Islands : test site for theories of evolution and ecotourism -- Costa Rica : on the beaten path -- Cuba : growth of tourism and ecotourism during the "special period" -- Tanzania : whose Eden is it? -- Zanzibar : ecotourism on a Muslim island -- Kenya, the Mzee of ecotourism in Africa : early experiments, foreign aid, and private reserves -- South Africa : people and parks under majority rule

"Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." "In Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Martha Honey presents an overview of the ecotourism industry and a first-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world. Based on interviews and visits to ecotourist hotspots in Latin America and Africa, the book offers a vivid description and analysis of projects that meet the goals and standards of ecotourism, as well as those that claim to be ecotourism but in reality fall short. Honey presents in-depth case studies of seven destinations (Galapagos, Costa Rica, Cuba, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa) that illustrate the economic and cultural impacts of tourism development on indigenous populations and ecosystems." "It is the only such account of worldwide ecotourism available today, and is an important guide for students and researchers involved with international development, geography, or tourism, as well as for anyone interested in becoming a more environmentally sensitive traveler."--Jacket