Ecotourism in Japan: Policy Framework and a Survey on Ecotour Guides/Coordinators

• 作 者: ShiiOkuno;
• 机 构: Faculty of Information Science, University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences, Japan
• 出 处: 第四届中国旅游论坛
• 发表日期: 2007年期

The study aims to discuss the policy framework promoting ecotourism activities in Japan,and to make a survey of eco-tour guides/coordinators,which are considered as interpreters of nature and coordinators of various programs to meet the needs of tourists or visitors. Ecotourism is defined as the "tourism providing experience or learning of nature,history and culture," which is related to environment,tourism and local community.The Japan Ecotourism Association has selected 88 experienced ecotour guides from the whole country and listed their experiences,programs offered,their mottos,and their recommended ecotour routes on the website.Using the qualitative research methodology,their opinions and program data on the website are analyzed according to the natural and local community characteristics of each area/region,next their knowledge field and background are clarified.Lastly,their role in linking the visitors with nature in deeper understanding of the latter and arrangement of ecotour are to be recognized.