eco tourism project work methodology

Ecotourism: benefits and value

Ecotourism can be defined as “tourism to places that is designed to the protection of the environment or at least minimise damage to it, often involving travel to areas of natural interest in developing countries or participation in environmental projects” (Dictionary Reference, 2014, online). Ecotourism is also known as ethical tourism, ecological tourism and nature-based tourism.

Main differences of ecotourism from traditional tourism relate to travels only to natural destinations, constructions of environmental awareness, reducing detrimental impacts of tourism to the local communities and the environment, and respect for local cultures.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Understanding differences between customer needs and wants in an appropriate manner is important in order to fully appreciate the benefits of ecotourism to customers. Needs are essential for people for physical and social survival and they include food and water, clothing, accommodation, security, communication, love etc.

Wants, on the other hand, can be explained as “the cultural manifestation of those needs” (Andrews, 2007, p.72). In simple terms, both, highly educated individuals with substantial income and floor-level factory employees with minimal income have a need for adventure and recreation. However, while highly educated individuals with substantial income might want to satisfy this need by engaging in ecotourism, floor-level factory employees with minimal income might want to satisfy the need for adventure and recreation by only attending a local park.

There are various benefits of ecotourism to individuals engaged in ecotourism, to host destinations of ecotourism, and to the society and environment in general.

Ecotourism offers a set of advantages to customers, i.e. individuals engaged in ecotourism such as increasing the level of environmental awareness in a personal level, at the same time when being engaged in quality leisure.

Moreover, ecotourism can provide sense of fulfilment and contribution to the environment for ecotourists. Additional benefit of ecotourism to customers is associated with the preservation of touristic places to be re-visited in the future. Ecotourism offers the benefits of education to travellers about the value of environmental preservation and increases the level of cross-cultural awareness of tourists.

Benefits of ecotourism to host destinations are substantial, and they relate to the rise of standard of life through more jobs to local people and various schemes involving government and non-government organisations, preservation of local areas, and offering long-term solutions to the issues of poverty.

Moreover, ecotourism offers significant benefits to the society and the environment. Ecotourism is perceived to monitor, asses and manage the impacts of tourism, developing reliable methods of environmental accountability and countering negative effects of tourism.

Value of Ecotourism

The main value points of ecotourism can be represented through the following four points:

1. Increasing the level of environmental awareness . People engaged in ecotourism become more aware and sensitive towards a range of environmental issues such as global warming, deforestation, depletion of natural resources, and this change is going to have positive implications for the future of both, individuals concerned, and the environment.

2. Increasing the levels of cross-cultural knowledge . Engagement in ecotourism is going to increase the level of knowledge of tourists about various aspects of local culture and this fact represents a strong point associated with the value of ecotourism.

3. Preservation of unique tourism destinations for future generations . Ecotourism aims to diminish the negative impacts of tourism, and on the contrary, it aims to generate positive implications for a destination as a result of tourism activities. This aspect of ecotourism represents substantial value proposition in terms of preservation of unique aspects of tourism destinations of the present and future consumers.

4. Generation of sustainable revenues for tourism destinations. Ecotourism can effectively contribute to poverty reduction in local areas through increased level of involvement of local workforce in the provision of ecotourism services, and directing revenues generated through ecotourism fully or partially towards various charitable causes aiming to increase the standards of life for local people.

Changes in Ecotourism Benefits and Value

Benefits of ecotourism have changed during the past few years fuelled by the changes in customer needs and expectations. Generally, changes in customer needs in relation to tourism can be represented through the following three points:

Firstly, lifestyle of increasing numbers of people around the globe is becoming more hectic . Constant search for competitive advantage by employers is putting more pressure and demand for employees at all levels in a global scale with negative implications on employee-work life balance. As a result, increasing numbers of individuals aim to make the best use of their holiday time, preferably by immersing into nature far from their working environment.

Secondly, the numbers of natural environments are decreasing . Search for competitive advantage by businesses as discussed above are causing the depletion of natural resources at fast rates with negative implications on the numbers and qualities of natural environments.

Thirdly, the levels of awareness of customers about global environmental issues are increasing . Increasing influence of media in general and social media in particular is having positive impact on the level of awareness of people about a range of environmental issues such as global warming, deforestation, depletion of natural resources etc. Accordingly, the level of indifference amongst people towards these issues is declining, and people are becoming more sensitive towards environmental problems.

Due to the impact of all three changes discussed above, value perception and demand for ecotourism is increasing in a global scale. Accordingly, this tendency is encouraging the emergence of new businesses in the area of ecotourism further intensifying the level of competition in the manners that is discussed further below in greater details.

Andrews, S. (2007) “Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Industry” Tata McGraw-Hill Education

Ecotourism (2014) Dictionary Reference Available at: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ecotourism

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Methodology For The Assessment Of Ecotourism Projects Of Russian Regions

Eco-tourism is considered to be one of the most fast-developing segments of global tourism industry. According to the Strategy of the Development of Tourism in the Russian Federation, this type of tourism is a priority. The methodology of the research is the development of an algorithm for the assessment and identification of best regional practices. The proposed algorithm includes the analysis of regional projects for the development of ecotourism, the formation of a system of criteria and scoring of projects, ranking and identification of best practices. The authors developed a unified system of aggregate and internal criteria for the primary processing of initial data on regional ecotourism projects and summarizing the results of the assessment taking into account the norms of the Russian legislation and national standards in the field of ecotourism. In addition the authors offered a technology for the analysis and identification of best practices by their effectiveness and efficiency. The approbation of the developed approach was carried out on the example of 123 ecotourism projects implemented in 61 regions of Russia. The useful potential of best practices is determined not only by valuable natural resources and quality infrastructure that meets the needs and limitations of ecotourism, but also by experience in planning and certifying ecotourism services, as well as measures to reduce the impact on the environment and solve socio-economic problems in the implementation of eco-tours. Keywords: Ecotourism specially protected natural areas best practices assessment criteria

Introduction

Ecological tourism (ecotourism) increases by 25–30% per year ( UNWTO, 2012 ) and has significant potential for further development, primarily in countries with significant natural resources, biodiversity, and a developed network of specially protected natural areas (SPNA). Ecotourism has enormous potential and opportunities to contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of United Nations ( UNWTO, 2016 ). The concept of ecotourism is considered to be one of the acceptable and sustainable approaches to the conservation and development of ecosystems ( Xu, Mingzhu, Bu, & Pan, 2017 ), a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation, supporting local peoples and their culture, and providing sustainable development ( Lorimer, 2006 ). A number of authors attach critical significance to ecotourism in the struggle against poverty and hunger in low-income countries, especially in Africa ( Santarem et al., 2018 ). Thus, in the modern world, ecotourism plays a crucial role in the promotion of the entire tourism industry to higher standards of sustainability.

However, it is believed that there are few successful examples of ecotourism development in the world, the experience of attaining best practices is most common in countries where particular ecotourism principles are introduced ( UNWTO, 2012 ; Lorimer, 2006 ; WTO, 2002 ). It is possible to single out such countries as Australia, Brazil, Germany, Canada, Kenya, China, Costa Rica, Mongolia, Peru, the United States, and others, which have resource potential and also attach great importance to the planning, promotion and support of ecotourism. The basis for the development of ecotourism in each country is unique natural resources and protected areas, biodiversity, natural sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The global surface protected areas have more than eight billion recreational visitors per year ( Shia et al., 2019 ). In the global scope of ecotourism services, the share of protected areas in Russia is negligible. Thus, the total number of visitors of federal protected areas in 2018 amounted to 3.5 million people ( Passport of the National Project «Ecology», 2018 ). It is assumed that by 2024 the measures to create conditions for the development of ecotourism in national parks will increase the number of visitors to the protected areas 2.2 times in comparison with 2018. However, in our opinion, this will insignificantly improve the position of Russia.

It is necessary to include the enormous potential of the Russian regions, the diversity of climatic conditions, the richness of natural resources, the presence of unique objects of natural, cultural and historical heritage, and a developed network of protected areas at all levels in the development of ecotourism. It is important to define the approaches to transform declared goals into real actions in order to expand and improve the quality of eco-tourism services, which requires studying, identifying and distributing successful practices for developing regional ecotourism projects.

Problem Statement

Russia has enormous potential for the development of ecological tourism. The main regions for the development of eco-tourism are concentrated in the Siberian, Far Eastern, Volga, Ural, North-Western, North Caucasus and Southern federal districts. According to the national standard on ecotourism ( All-Union State Standard R 56642-2015, Tourist services and Ecological tourism ), environmental tours by a venue can be carried out within the boundaries of protected areas (waters) and outside the boundaries of protected areas, where the range of types of environmentally friendly tourism can be wide enough.

In an educational and informative format, the development of ecotourism is based on visits to the protected areas of federal, regional and local significance of various categories. There are 105 state nature reserves, 52 national parks, 57 state nature reserves and 17 nature monuments of federal significance, as well as 10,492 PAs of regional importance and 1109 SPNA of local importance ( MinEnvRF, 2018 ). At the same time, the promotion of ecotourism activity is observed at federal protected areas, whose share in the total amount is 1.9%. In other territories, the efforts in this direction are much more modest, due to imperfect legislative regulation, underdeveloped ecotourism infrastructure, lack of personnel and lack of funding ( Kuklina, Yakovleva, & Bulatova, 2015 ; Yashalova & Ruban, 2013 ). The solution of the task of further development and promotion of ecotourism services is associated with the study of regional ecotourism practices, which will allow not only diagnosing the state of development of this type of tourism in the regions of Russia, but also determining the most successful practices of ecotourism.

Research Questions

Nowadays, in many regions of Russia, the following measures are being taken to create conditions for the development of ecotourism: the registers of ecotourism routes are formed, support is provided to entrepreneurs in the field of ecotourism, personnel training is conducted, and a procedure of voluntary certification of ecotourism services is launched. The subject of the study is the study of a set of projects for the development of ecological tourism in the regions of the Russian Federation.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose is to develop a methodological approach that includes the analysis of regional projects for the development of ecological tourism, the formation of a system of criteria and scoring of projects, ranking and identification of the best ecotourism practices.

Research Methods

The methodology of the research is based on the development of an algorithm for the assessment and identification of the best regional practices (Figure 1 ), which includes the following stages: the analysis of regional projects on the development of ecotourism; the formation of a system of criteria and scoring of projects; ranking and identification of the best projects.

At the first stage, the analysis of ecotourism projects is carried out for compliance with the species characteristics of ecotourism and the safety requirements of tourist services (Fig. 1, Stage 1).

At the next stage (Fig. 1, Stage 2), each project is first considered from the standpoint of compliance with the criteria system, and then a scoring of the projects is carried out according to the aggregate criteria. The authors developed a single system of criteria, taking into account the norms of Russian legislation and national standards in the field of ecotourism, which can be improved and changed depending on the purposes of the research. The system of criteria includes a set of 6 aggregate criteria, each of which contains from one to several internal criteria, detailing the aggregate criteria:

1) Planning and management (K1): compliance with the species characteristics of ecotourism in accordance with the National Standard (K11); the form of interaction with the authorities (K12); membership in non-profit organizations (K13); public recognition and achievement (K14).

2) Quality and safety assurance (K2): availability of the certificate on ecotourism services (K21); accessibility for challenged people (K22); the presence of staff who have undergone professional retraining (K23); availability of accredited guides / interpreters (K24); availability of teaching and learning materials for employee training (K25); the existence of approved safety regulations / instructions for the implementation of routes (K26); of medical care provision (K27); the interaction with rescue services (K28).

3) Ecotourism infrastructure (K3): own accommodation facilities (K31); own catering facilities (K32); infrastructure facilities (K33).

4) Ecological efficiency of infrastructure facilities (K4): biological wastewater treatment systems (K41); the use of energy-saving technologies (K42); measures to reduce, recycle and reuse resources (K43).

5) Economic indicators of tourism efficiency (K5): the dynamics of officially registered visitors (K51); the dynamics of investments in fixed assets (K52); the dynamics of the volume of commercial services (K53).

6) Advertising and informational support (K6): informational support of ecological tourism services (K61)

The values of the project assessment according to the internal criteria of the aggregate criterion (Kij) are determined by the expert method:

–the maximum score (1) is assigned if all the conditions necessary to comply with the selected criterion are met;

–the average score, the value of which can vary in the range from 0.5 to 0.7, is assigned according to the appropriate criterion (for individual criteria - if available), if most of the conditions necessary to comply with the selected criterion are met;

–the minimum score (0) is assigned if it is impossible to assign a higher score (due to the lack of supporting information, the inability to establish a single-valued correspondence, etc.).

The final scoring of projects in the field of ecotourism according to aggregate criteria is determined by the formula shown in Figure 1 , “Stage 2”.

At the third stage, the ranking and identification of the best projects is carried out (Figure 1 , Step 3). For the purpose of the study, the authors adapted a method for analyzing hierarchies that has found wide application due to such a distinct advantage as the presence of simple and well-founded rules during decision making ( Saati, 1993 ; Tutygin & Korobov 2010 ; Gol'dshtejn, 2012 ; Eryomko, Bal'zhanova, & Bardakhanova, 2016 ). First of all, an expert assessment of the significance of each aggregated criterion is carried out in accordance with a scale of relative importance from 1 to 9. As a result of the comparison of the aggregated criteria with each other, a so-called pairwise comparison matrix of criterion is formed, the rows and columns of which are marked with the criteria names. The resulting linear convolution of the weight of the criteria shows how many times one project is more powerful than another by this aggregate criterion. Then the value of best projects for each of the integrated criteria is determined. The decision-making process for this stage is a procedure for line-by-line expert filling in matrices of pairwise comparisons, the rows and columns of which are named after the projects. The number of matrices is equal to the number of aggregated criteria. Project assessments are calculated using the formula shown in Figure 1 , Stage 3.

For each project after a series of pairwise comparisons (according to the number of aggregated criteria) project assessment vectors can be defined from the completed decision matrix. They are united into an assessment of the project utility. The best is the project with the maximum value.

The approbation of the developed approach was carried out using the software “Regional features of investment projects implementation” ( Eryomko & Ayusheeva, 2018 ).

The study examined 123 projects in the field of ecological tourism, implemented in 61 regions of Russia. The development and implementation of these projects are carried out by: the Directorate of protected areas of federal and regional importance (55% of the total); state, municipal budgetary institutions of culture, education (16%); business entities (15%); public organizations (11%); individual entrepreneurs and individuals (3%). The protected areas of federal, regional and local importance are presented by nature monuments, eco-routes, eco-trails, ecotourism center, destinations, tourist cluster, local history museum, eco-technological farm, peasant farming, etc. It was revealed that 61% of the total number of all practices is the projects implemented within the boundaries of protected areas. The remaining 46 practices are carried out outside the protected areas.

During the analysis of the projects, 57 regional ecotourism projects were excluded from the ranking procedure due to the inconsistency with the species characteristics of eco-tourism, as well as their non-compliance with the requirements for ensuring the safety of tourist services.

The assessment of the remaining 66 projects from 48 regions of Russia was carried out according to the developed criteria system. In order to determine the values of the integrated criteria, an assessment of the significance of each criterion in relation to each other was made, the results of which showed that the most significant criteria are: the criterion characterizing the level of planning and management with a specific value of K1 = 0.305; the criterion characterizing the compliance of the practice with the requirements of quality and safety (K2 = 0.250); the criterion characterizing the level of environmental efficiency (K4 = 0.194); the criterion for the creation of infrastructure (К3 = 0,138). The value of the remaining two criteria in the aggregation does not exceed 0.1.

The TOP-10 of best projects of the final rating indicates that the best projects in the field of ecotourism are implemented in SPNA of different levels, which is natural and corresponds to the essence of eco-tourism itself (Table 1 ). At the same time, it is necessary to note that the identified best projects have not only valuable natural resources, but also high-quality tourist and ecological infrastructure that meet the requirements and limitations of ecological tourism.

The methodological approaches proposed by the author allow analyzing the regions for the development of ecotourism, comparing them according to various criteria and identifying the best results.

The results of the study show that the development of ecotourism in an informative and educational format in the protected areas of federal significance forms the main direction of ecotourism policy in Russia: 42 best practices fall on protected areas.

The useful potential of best practices is determined not only by valuable natural resources and quality infrastructure that meets the needs and limitations of ecotourism, but also by experience in planning and certification of ecotourism services, as well as measures to reduce the impact on the environment and solve socio-economic problems of the implementation of eco-tours.

All the identified best practices of ecotourism can be implemented in any region in the format of the “correct solution”. According to the authors, the usage of the best practices of Russian regions in the development of ecotourism will help avoid the appearance of undesirable results of uncontrolled development and make full implementation of the ecotourism potential of territories, and can also help to solve the problems of increasing competitiveness and promoting the most successful ecotourism practices. The enhancement of the role and contribution of ecotourism in the promotion of the entire tourism industry to higher standards of sustainability determines the need to deepen such case studies in order to consolidate best practices and improve the quality of management of ecotourism projects.

Acknowledgments

The research was conducted with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Project No. 18-010-00881).

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Maksanova*, L., Bardakhanova, T., Mantatova, A., Eryomko, Z., & Kaurov, I. (2019). Methodology For The Assessment Of Ecotourism Projects Of Russian Regions. In D. Karim-Sultanovich Bataev, S. Aidievich Gapurov, A. Dogievich Osmaev, V. Khumaidovich Akaev, L. Musaevna Idigova, M. Rukmanovich Ovhadov, A. Ruslanovich Salgiriev, & M. Muslamovna Betilmerzaeva (Eds.), Social and Cultural Transformations in the Context of Modern Globalism, vol 76. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 2081-2089). Future Academy. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.12.04.279

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EU Guidebook on Sustainable Tourism for Development

In recognition of the considerable opportunities and issues involved in the development of tourism, in 2012 the European Commission's Directorate-General for Development and Cooperation – EuropeAid established the project “Enhancing capacities for sustainable tourism for development in developing countries”. The project was undertaken in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which was commissioned to prepare a Guidebook on Sustainable Tourism, as an engine for development, trade in services, job creation and poverty reduction.

The Guidebook is intended to enhance the understanding of tourism in all its dimensions, how it relates to the EU Agenda for Change so as to enable EU services in Brussels and the EU Delegations in 180 countries as well as other development institutions to include sustainable tourism development in their programme cycles.

UNWTO endeavours to maximize tourism’s contribution to, inter alia, development and international understanding, while minimizing its negative impacts, paying particular attention to the growth potential of developing countries. Likewise, the European Union is well placed to support developing countries in identifying and implementing interventions in sustainable tourism.

The approach has been based on the experience of UNWTO and its work with a wide range of partner agencies and governments. In particular, the results of the study have been field tested in six countries during and following the preparation of the document, namely Kenya, India, Vietnam, Senegal, Botswana and Timor-Leste . The guidebook was publicly launched with the EU on the 27th of June 2013 in Brussels.

Background- Sustainable Tourism for Development

Over the last decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and increased diversification, becoming one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. The business volume of tourism today equals or even surpasses that of oil exports, food products or automobiles, offering millions of direct entry points into the workforce, particularly for youth and women, and a diversity of investment opportunities for young entrepreneurial talents. Tourism has become one of the major sectors in international trade, at the same time representing one of the main income sources for many developing countries.  It is their only service sector with recorded surpluses in trade compared to the rest of the world.

However, tourism can also be a source of environmental damage and pollution, a threat to the socio-cultural structure, a heavy user of scarce resources and a potential cause of negative externalities in society.  What must be done?

Tourism in the Global Development Agenda: The future we want Rio+20 outcome document

" Sustainable tourism is highlighted in the final outcome document of Rio+20 as a thematic area and a cross-sectorial issue within the framework for action and follow-up.

130. We emphasize that well-designed and managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, has close linkages to other sectors, and can create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities (…)

131. We encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential (…)"

• Rio+20: The Future We Want
• Green Economy Report leaflet

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical concern that must be addressed in any viable tourism development strategy. Expressed simply, sustainable tourism can be defined as “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities”. Tourism is one of the ten economic sectors identified in the UNEP Green Economy Report, whose greening could increase prosperity, create employment and reduce poverty. In addition, tourists are increasingly demanding the greening of tourism. Tourism development should hence have a sustainable approach , to be able to promote growth in the long-term while maintaining a balanced use of resources. This should be supported at local, national, regional and international levels.

Developing Countries surpassing advanced economies’ international tourist arrivals in 2015

Although developed countries remain both the major tourism destinations and source of international tourism, developing countries are reducing the gap. In recent decades there has been a substantial diversification in international tourism destinations, and many developing countries have registered phenomenal growth in tourist arrivals and receipts. Tourism also particularly thrives on assets such as natural environment, warm climate, rich cultural heritage and plentiful human resources, where developing countries have a comparative advantage.

• Tourism is the first or second source of export earnings in 20 of the 48 LDCs
• In some developing countries, notably small island states, tourism can account for over 25% of GDP.
• From 2015, emerging economies will, for the first time receive more international tourist arrivals than advanced economies
• By 2030, 58% of international arrivals will be to emerging economy destinations of Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa

However, tourism can also be a source of environmental damage and pollution , a heavy consumer of scarce resources and a cause of negative impacts in society.  For these reasons, it is imperative that it is well planned and managed , embracing the principles of sustainable tourism which is defined as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry the environment and host communities” .

The Purpose of the Guidebook- Sustainable Tourism for Development

The document is aimed at two main audiences:

• The EU and other development assistance agencies – to help them understand and identify opportunities to assist the tourism sector in delivering sustainable development.
• Governments and other stakeholders within developing countries – to help them identify where they may need to strengthen their approach to sustainable tourism, and if necessary to seek assistance, within the context of international priorities and policies for sustainable development.

In particular the document provides a basis for discussion between the above two groups in agreeing on priorities and actions for supporting sustainable tourism.

The study is seen as informing the existing cooperation frameworks and common assessment and coordination processes in Official Development Assistance and Aid for Trade . This applies particularly in the field of trade, in which tourism plays an important part, including the work of the Enhanced Integrated Framework in promoting Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies and in the delivery of Aid for Trade.

The study contributes to the positioning of tourism within the overarching framework for action on green growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development post-2015 , stemming from Rio+20 and addressed by the European Commission in Communication (2013) 92 A Decent Life for All: Ending poverty and giving the world a sustainable futur e

Related links

• A Decent Life for All: Ending poverty and giving the world a sustainable future

“Sustainable Tourism for development in developing countries”: A document in three interlinking parts

The Guidebook takes a comprehensive approach to tourism, covering a wide range of topics relating to its planning, development, management and impact. By working through the whole document, users are able to identify priorities for intervention across a spectrum of issues.

The Guidebook’s aim is to mainstream tourism by:

• Enhancing understanding and commitment to sustainable tourism.
• Providing guidance to assess the tourism sector’s importance, identifying opportunities for sustainable tourism development, planning actions, and enhancing sustainability of projects.
• Delivering a “Sustainable Tourism for Development Study” which will enable the EU and other development institutions to include sustainable tourism development in their programme cycles.

The guidebook is divided in the three parts described below:

• GUIDANCE NOTE:  Relates the UE framework for development, e.g. the EU Agenda for Change and Tourism pillars (methodology) and relates to EU priorities. It aims at providing guidance to EU services on the approaches required to ensure the effective implementation of priorities for sustainable tourism in developing countries. 
• SITUATION ANALYSIS : Describes the macro-economic dimensions of tourism; its contrubution to improve the situation of a country and its relation with other sectors; policies in place to develop the sector and its contribution to sustainable development and reviews the existing policies and programmes auming at developing sustainable tourism in developing countries.   
• METHODOLOGY:  Designes to ptovide EU delagrions with a sustematics approach to understand the impact and value of the tourism sector in the country and the way it is managed and operated; and to understand which actions are appropriate to improve the situation through tailored interventions. 

“The Methodology”: How to assess priorities for Sustainable Tourism in Developing Countries?

The Methodology follows a systematic structure which, through a series of questions * under each issue, enables the situation to be assessed, weaknesses and gaps identified and possible actions considered, while also pointing to existing services that are available. It focuses on five key pillars of sustainable tourism in developing countries:

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• Questionnaire Pillar 1- Tourism policy and governance
• Questionnaire Pillar 2- Trade Investment, Data and Competitiveness
• Questionnaire Pillar 3- Employment, Decent Work and Capacity Building
• Questionnaire Pillar 4- Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion
• Questionnaire Pillar 5- Sustainability of natural and cultural environment

Project Summaries

How are we making a difference.

Utilizing ecotourism as an effective tool for bio-cultural conservation, TIES is committed to promoting and supporting efforts in leading sustainable change in the global tourism and travel industry. Our ecotourism initiatives address crucial needs to promote authentic ecotourism, and to give back to the global ecotourism community. Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, TIES aims to: increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel; expand learning and professional development opportunities; connect travel professionals and ecotourism stakeholders; and help shape policy to mainstream sustainability in tourism.

Over the years, TIES has undertaken a variety of projects financed by both international agencies (such as InterAmerican Development Bank, World Bank, UN Environment Programme, and USAID) as well as by philanthropic foundations (such as Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Summit Foundation) It has also engaged in variety of partnership projects and programs with other NGOs, international agencies, and the private sector.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development in El Salvador (2008)

The aim of this collaborative project by TIES and FUNDEMAS (the Business Foundation for Social Action) in El Salvador was to establish a national strategy for the sustainable development of tourism through effective partnerships among various stakeholder groups and decision makers.

University of Central Asia Professional Training Course (2006)

TIES, in collaboration with Fachhochschule Eberswalde in Germany, developed a professional training course specifically for local tour operators in the mountain areas of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, with the aim of fostering sound ecotourism development and operation in Central Asia. In these fragile mountain environments the provision of guidelines and standards as well as training and technical assistance will serve to protect local ecosystems from misuse and to promote sustainable economic growth. TIES’ efforts were two-pronged: course development and staff development.

As the leader in generating and disseminating information about ecotourism, TIES is developed the course concepts, program curriculum and teaching materials for UCA. Modules such as “Characteristics of Mountain Tourism,” “Product Design and Services,” and “Sales, Marketing and Public Relations” will figure prominently in the curriculum and will be rooted in the principles and practices of ecotourism. Additionally, material will be employed from the University of Eberswalde’s Sustainable Tourism Management Masters’ program and Windhorse College’s (Ulaan Baatar/Mongolia) Bachelors’ program in Travel and Tourism Management.

Cognizant of the fact that UCA will not likely be able to recruit lecturers and instructors already fully qualified for the specialized program, TIES focused on developing a “Train-the-Trainers” course. This intensive two-week training course helped the lecturers to master the course material and to develop different and innovative teaching methods. Such teaching methods should be decidedly hands-on, with a strong emphasis on practical work rather than lectures. These alternative methods include moderated discussions, role plays, field work, and project work. The training course will end with an exam to gauge the extent of knowledge each participant has gained.

Ecotourism: A Tool for Development in Ukraine (2005)

TIES, in partnership with the US-Ukraine Foundation, has been working to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and ecotourism in Ukraine. Prior to project implementation, TIES made presentations on sustainable tourism and held consultations with various Ukrainian delegations in Washington DC and found strong interest in using Ukraine’s natural and cultural richness to strengthen and expand its tourism sector. With the political situation now officially stabilized, many Ukrainians see an opportunity to increase international tourism.

In 2005, the TIES Team conducted a series of one-day workshops on sustainable tourism in Central and Southern Ukraine, including in Kherson, Voznesensk (Mykolayiv Oblast), Bilohorsk (Crimea), and Balaklava (Crimea). The workshops served to highlight the basics of sustainable tourism and ecotourism, to provide an understanding the market, the value of planning and the importance of securing full participation of key stakeholders, as well as identify next steps for project development. While the audiences varied at each workshop, they included several mayors and other local government officials, tourism professionals, students, NGO representatives and local business owners.

In addition to the workshops, TIES carried out a rapid field assessment consisting of site visits and interviews in the workshop locations, as well as in Kyiv and Western Ukraine. In Western Ukraine areas such as Lviv, Carpathian Mountains, Yaremcha, Zhovkva and Hrytsiv proved to be promising destinations for both ecotourism and sustainable tourism activities. The people and organizations we interviewed showed great enthusiasm for the topic. With the data collected during this project TIES and the US-Ukraine Foundation can develop a strategy and identify funding to provide ongoing expertise, training, and capacity-building related to the strengthening of sustainable tourism and ecotourism within Ukraine. In a long-term perspective, TIES hopes to encourage Ukraine to officially adopt a commitment to development of sustainable tourism.

Key outcomes from this pilot project:

• Successful completion of workshops and evaluation of them;
• An assessment of the products, capacity, and needs of the tourism sector;
• An assessment of potential funding sources for ongoing capacity building;
• An assessment of potential partner organizations which could collaborate in ongoing capacity building or other activities; and
• A listing of logical next steps based on the needs assessment and other information gathered.

Sustainable Tourism in Northern and Central Montenegro (2005)

TIES undertook a consultancy for Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the UNDP to further assess the potentials for sustainable tourism development in the central and northern regions of Montenegro.

The purpose of this project was three-fold: 1. To assess, through a review of relevant reports and site visits, Montenegro’s progress towards implementation of the Strategic Framework for Development of Sustainable Tourism in Northern & Central Montenegro, which was officially adopted by the government in September 2004. 2. To analyze, including site visits, the viability of ski resort development in the Zabljak-Durmitor area, as proposed in the report, Program for Development of Mountain Tourism in Montenegro by the International Institute for Tourism (IIT) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This report was commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism, which has been promoting it as the model for tourism development in the northern region of Montenegro. 3. To provide information on the current best practices in ski resort development in North America and, where information is available, in Europe.

The site visits, interviews, and review of various tourism reports, have provided a more complete understanding and assessment of the potential for:

Summer tourism in northern Montenegro and the range of agriculture and nature-based activities; A wider variety of lower cost winter activities; The possibilities for linking coastal and northern tourism; Sustainable tourism potential in and around Cetinje, along parts of the coast, and at Lake Skadar; and Various sustainable tourism projects currently being run by local NGOs and international development agencies. This consultancy produced a report titled, “Implementing Sustainable Winter and Summer Tourism in Northern and Central Montenegro: An Assessment of Current Strategies and Next Steps” based on recent site visits and interviews, as well as a review of a wide variety of tourism reports and correspondence from experts. It is intended first, to help assess the potentials for both winter and summer tourism, second, to present the recommendations for expanding ski resort tourism contained in the IIT’s Program for Development and third, to discuss where Montenegro is in terms of implementation of the Strategic Framework for Development of Sustainable Tourism in Northern & Central Montenegro.

There is a need not only to try to prevent ill-advised projects that are put forth as part of a sustainable tourism strategy, but also to provide concrete assistance in building Montenegro’s capacity to tap into the strong European and North American demand for sustainable tourism. This paper provides an outline of what appear to be the most promising and urgent needs and issues related to expanding and upgrading sustainable tourism, particularly in the Zabljak-Durmitor region.

Sustainable Tourism Certification, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam (2004)

Through the Vietnam Coastal Biodiversity Support program, led by Flora and Fauna International (FFI), TIES developed monitoring and local certification programs as well as user guides and technical assistance manuals for the region.

Vietnam is experiencing rapid tourism growth and, while there is potential for positive development, many of the negative environmental and cultural impacts have emerged on Cat Ba Island. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) has worked to raise both regional and local awareness about eco-certification of hotels and ecotourism in Vietnam. Through the Vietnam Coastal Biodiversity Support program, led by Flora and Fauna International (FFI), TIES developed monitoring and local certification programs as well as user guides and technical assistance manuals for the region.

TIES provided certification program development, assessment, monitoring, auditing, and corporate governance and offered technical input on the appropriate environmental certification criteria for waste management, energy minimization and water consumption. TIES was responsible for training of FFI staff on environmental certification programs assessment and auditing.

In line with its mission of improving the well-being of local people, TIES supplied input into community-based tourism (CBT) structures, a proposed community fund and development priorities, in addition to relevant standards for providing returns to local community and conservation efforts. TIES also provided input and contacts for the two-day national conference on ecotourism and eco-certification of hotels that was held July 14-15, 2004 as well as facilitating of local workshops, stakeholder consultation sessions and individual interviews with Government bodies.

Biodiversity Footprint of Ecolodges (2003-2004)

Between October 2003 and January 2004, TIES was contracted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank) to assess the biodiversity “footprint” of nature-based lodges at a global and national level. As part of this $46,000 project, TIES identified some 400 nature based lodges globally through a web and guide book based survey. TIES sent these lodges a detailed survey to compile data on the current practices of the nature lodges operating in developing countries with significant nature tourism offerings.

It received 106 completed surveys and these were used to compile a wide range of analysis on the social and biological impacts and contributions of nature-based lodges. In addition, TIES used leading guidebooks to compile lists of nature-based lodges within 60 developing countries. TIES then utilized GIS, to plot these lodges on a series of maps and to then to display the resulting information on a global map. Finally, based on the above research and a literature review, TIES developed a matrix of criteria for monitoring and evaluating the environmental, socio/cultural, and economic impacts of nature-based lodges.

The ultimate goal is to help the IFC establish better criteria for future funding of small and medium scale nature-based lodges. This study is part of a longer term project under the Global Environment Fund (GEF) that seeks to establish criteria and mechanisms to support biodiversity conservation and social development through providing financial assistance to new small and medium size nature-based hotels and lodges in developing countries.

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Saratov: The city that almost came up overnight

The downtown with church in evening beams of the sun. Source: Shutterstock / Legion-Media

Once one of the Russian Empire’s largest cities, Saratov is home to a conservatory, one of Russia’s most famous and oldest circuses and perhaps the finest art collection in provincial Russia. Throw in long pedestrian avenues, the legacy of the Volga Germans and the mighty Volga River and you start to see the fuller picture of this city that was literally built over night.

Saratov is a great place to feel the immense grandeur of the Volga River. Saratov offers an unusual collection of architecture from the pre-revolutionary and Soviet period and its large center makes for an excellent place to take an aimless walk through centuries of Russian history literally living on top of each other.

The city which was built over night

Ukek, a Golden Horde city, was situated nearby until Tamerlane destroyed it in 1395. Saratov was founded in 1590 and soon became a popular stop between Europe and Asia. Located 858 kilometers southeast of Moscow, it was one of three lower Volga cities founded as forts to protect recently acquired territories at the Empire’s edge over a five-year span (1586-1590), along with present day Volgograd and Samara. Saratov was actually constructed significantly north of the city. The wooden buildings were disassembled, sent downstream and erected quickly allowing Saratov to appear practically overnight.

A view of Saratov from the Volga river. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

By the early 1800s Saratov had grown to be a significant port city and the railroad arrived in 1870. The city experienced a boom during World War II as many factories and institutes were relocated here, although it was closed during Soviet times as it was the site of a military aircraft manufacturing plant.

Saratov and neighboring city Engels (combined metro area today of over one million) were home to hundreds of thousands of Germans in the 18  th  , 19  th  and early 20  th  centuries. Originally invited by the Tsars to spur agricultural development in the area, the Volga Germans went on to hold prominent regional roles. Many were deported to Central Asia and Siberia during World War II, with many of those that remained immigrating to Germany in the 1980s. 

The bridge between Saratov and Engels. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

The bridge connecting Saratov with its twin city across the Volga, Engels, was the longest in the Soviet Union when completed in 1965 at 2,826 meters long. The architecture is quite diverse on the Volga waterfront with luxury apartments mingling with log cabins. Make sure to see the Balneological Clinic for an example of an old sanatorium. There are numerous cafes along the river, as well as a pedestrian zone. From the River Port at St. Naberezhnaya Kosmonavtov 7a it is possible to take a cruise as far south as Astrakhan, as far north as St. Petersburg and all major cities on the Volga River, as well as Moscow. Cruises operate from early May until mid-September and a schedule can be found here:  rech-vokzal.ru .

The evening city of Saratov with the bridge through the Volga River. Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

Surprisingly, Saratov went three full centuries before a promenade was built along the river. One of the main attractions here is a statue dedicated to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin. Gagarin first moved to Saratov to continue his studies in 1951 at the Saratov Industrial Technical School. He studied tractors and spent his weekends volunteering at a local aviation club where he learned to fly. He also worked part time on the Volga docks. 

A walk through the city center

The city’s main artery is Moskovskaya St., which leads from the Volga through the heart of the city, however, Saratov’s soul can be found on Prospekt Kirova, one of Russia’s first pedestrian zones. Until 1917 it was known as Nemetskaya St. in honor of the large German population. Many sights are located here, as well as dozens of bars and restaurants. Several statues dot the landscape including a bronze statue of an accordion player and one of a young man waiting for his love with flowers as inspired by this  song about Saratov .

The oldest balneological clinic in Saratov. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

The Leonid Sobinov State Conservatory  opened in 1912 at Kirova 1 not far from the entrance to the charming Park Lipki. At the time it was only the third in the country as Saratov was then the third largest city in Russia and the largest on the Volga (16  th  largest today).

The Nikitin Bothers Circus  at the top of Kirova (away from the Volga) was the second stationary circus in Russia (the first is in Penza). This is probably the best place in town to see tigers and clowns under the same roof. Across the street is the Kryty Rynok, a covered market built in 1916. Behind the market is an example of a classic Soviet movie palace, Pobeda; it opened in 1955. If walking away from the circus towards the Volga there are well-preserved examples of proletarian communal buildings constructed in the 1920s on the left.

The building of the Saratov State Art Museum named after Alexander Radishchev. Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

Also of note on the street is the cinema Pioneer at Kirova 11. It was previously a Catholic Church serving the German population. Partially destroyed during the Soviet period, a fragment of the original wall can be seen inside.

One block parallel to Kirova is Teatralnaya Square. Here is the  Saratov Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet , built in 1875. Across the square is  Radishchev Museum , featuring one of the finest art collections in provincial Russia. Named for the controversial 18  th  century writer who grew up nearby (and whose grandson provided the initial collection), this was the first art museum in Russia to open its doors to the public. Today it counts numerous famous Russian painters in its collections including works by Repin, Shishkin and Falk.

The bridge out of the past to the future

Monument to Chernyshevsky and conservatory in the city center of Saratov. Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

One of the city’s most famous residents is Nikolai Chernyshevsky (1828-1889). A socialist, philosopher and writer, he is best known for his 1863 utopian novel, “What is to be Done?” It tells the story of Vera Pavlovna, an emancipated woman and the ascetic revolutionary Rakhmetov, who sleeps on nails and eats raw steak. The book had an enormous influence on Lenin; today the main public university is named for him and  his museum  is located at Chernyshevskogo St. 142.

Park Pobedy is the city’s largest and is located at about three kilometers from the Volga. It hosts the National Village of the Peoples of Saratov Region, an open-air architectural and ethnographic museum. 

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Saratov Oblast was the center of Volga German culture, Germans who resettled in Russia in the 17th century enticed by offers of farmland, until World War II, when Stalin deported the Germans en masse to Siberia and Kazakhstan. Today, Saratov Oblast is a big center of industry along the Volga River.

Overnight trains from Moscow to Saratov take about 16 hours and are very affordable. Flights cost about twice as much (although they are still very reasonable) and will get you there in an hour and a half.

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Saratov Oblast Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Saratov Oblast, an unassuming gem in the heart of Russia, is a region that captivates with its rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Nestled along the majestic Volga River, this picturesque destination offers an array of experiences for travelers. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about Saratov Oblast, including the best time to visit, must-see places, exciting activities, transportation options, dining experiences, accommodation choices, famous street markets, and essential travel tips to make your journey to this hidden gem truly unforgettable.

About Saratov Oblast: Geography: Saratov Oblast is located in the southern part of European Russia, along the Volga River. The region boasts diverse landscapes, including fertile plains, rolling hills, and picturesque riverbanks.

Cultural Heritage: Saratov is known for its rich cultural heritage, with influences from Russian, Tatar, and German traditions. It is famous for its local festivals, music, and folklore.

Best Time to Visit Saratov Oblast: Summer (June to August): Summer is the prime tourist season in Saratov Oblast. The weather is warm, nature is in full bloom, and outdoor activities are at their peak.

Spring (May and early June) and Autumn (September): These transitional seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the region.

Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter activities and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, visiting Saratov Oblast in winter can be a unique experience.

Places to Visit in Saratov Oblast: Saratov: The city of Saratov, the regional capital, is known for its vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the Saratov State Art Museum, the beautiful riverfront, and the historic city center.

Engels: This picturesque town is located on the Volga River and is known for its charming architecture, parks, and the picturesque Lenin Square.

Volga River: The Volga River, one of Russia’s most famous waterways, flows through Saratov Oblast. Enjoy a river cruise to appreciate the scenic beauty and historical sites along its banks.

Sokolova Mountain: For panoramic views of the Volga River and the surrounding landscape, visit Sokolova Mountain. It’s a perfect spot for hiking and photography.

Things to Do in Saratov Oblast: Saratov Beaches: Enjoy the sandy beaches along the Volga River during the summer months, where you can swim, sunbathe, and engage in water sports.

Volga River Cruises: Take a cruise along the Volga River to appreciate the natural beauty of the area and to visit nearby towns and attractions.

Local Festivals: Participate in local festivals and events, such as the Saratov Festival of Balloons and the annual Volga Day celebration.

Local Cuisine: Savor the local flavors of Saratov, including traditional Russian dishes, Tatar cuisine, and German specialties influenced by the region’s heritage.

How to Get Around Saratov Oblast: Public Transportation: Saratov Oblast has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, trolleybuses, and a metro in Saratov city.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Saratov Oblast. Make sure to use official and registered taxi services to ensure a safe and fair experience.

Walking: Many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it a pedestrian-friendly destination.

Where to Eat in Saratov Oblast: Russian Cuisine: Sample traditional Russian dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and shashlik at local restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local flavors.

International Cuisine: Saratov Oblast also offers a variety of international cuisine, including Italian, Chinese, and European restaurants. You can find options to suit diverse tastes.

Cafes and Bakeries: For a quick snack or a cup of coffee, Saratov Oblast has numerous cafes and bakeries where you can relax and enjoy a break.

Famous Street Stalls in Saratov Oblast: While street food stalls are not as prevalent in Saratov Oblast as in some other cities, you can find local stalls offering traditional Russian snacks and fast food in some areas.

Where to Stay in Saratov Oblast: Hotels: Saratov Oblast offers a range of hotels, from luxury to budget-friendly. Some popular options include the Saratov Marriott Hotel and the Saratov Hotel.

Hostels: If you’re traveling on a budget, Saratov Oblast has several hostels that offer affordable accommodations with basic amenities.

Guesthouses and Homestays: For a more personal and homely experience, consider staying in guesthouses or bed and breakfasts in smaller towns and villages.

Travel Tips for Saratov Oblast: Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa to enter Russia well ahead of your trip. Visa processing can take some time.

Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken, so it’s helpful to learn some basic Russian phrases or have a translation app handy.

Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to exchange some currency to Russian Rubles before your trip. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.

Respect Local Customs: Russian culture values politeness and respect. Be courteous to the locals and follow cultural norms.

Weather Preparation: Depending on the season of your visit, pack accordingly. Winters can be extremely cold, so bring warm clothing.

Conclusion: Saratov Oblast, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences, promises an unforgettable journey for travelers. Whether you’re captivated by the natural beauty, cultural festivals, or outdoor activities, Saratov Oblast has something for every type of traveler. By following the travel tips provided in this guide, you can make the most of your visit to this hidden gem, whether you come in the summer, winter, or any other season. Saratov Oblast is a destination where lasting memories are waiting to be created.

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