Community Participation and Visitor Satisfaction for Ecotourism Development in Similipal National Park, Orissa

Abstract

Community and tourists are two inseparable stakeholders that are complementary to each other in many respects in the development of ecotourism destinations. The assessment of perceptions of community and tourists on ecotourism development in the protected areas is a baseline on which ecotourism potential of the park is completely dependent. It is proved in many cases that there is a better understanding between community and tourists in the conservation of protected areas through the development of ecotourism. This paper explores how the

ecotourism project has brought about considerable changes in the perceptions of community and tourists. The data collected from the residents of buffer area of the park show a positive response towards the promotion of eco friendly tourism in Similpal National Park. Similarly, the results of the analysis of the perceptions of tourists demonstrate a huge responsibility to the conservation of flora and fauna and sustainability of the ecotourism attractions. The outcomes of the research will have immense impact on the park authority to involve the community in all decision making process of ecotourism project in the future. The findings of the paper have practical relevance for park authority and tour operators that are trying to develop low impact tourism or responsible tourism. This research will lay foundation for future research work on the ecotourism in the protected areas.