Ecotourism in rural developing communities

This paper considers the od hoc development of ecotourism at Ostional, Cost a Rica, and the potential benefits for the local community in the absence o f government planning or intervention. In 1995, only four percent Ostional households Identified tourism as a source of income; however, this was subs tantial in comparison to that derived from other economic activities. While most Ostional residents had positive attitudes toward tourism, they had li mited awareness of employment or investment opportunities. Lack of awarenes s, along with increased activity by outside investors, suggests that, in th e absence of formalized planning or intervention, the possibilities for the community at Ostional to further benefit from tourism development will be limited. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.