Development of ecotourism sustainability assessment framework employing Delphi, C&I and participatory methods: A case study of KBR, West Sikkim, India. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ashok, Smriti; Tewari, H.R.; Behera, M.D.; Majumdar, Arijit
• Is Part Of: Tourism management perspectives. Volume 21(2017)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Sustainability assessment -- C&I approach -- Criteria and indicator -- Ecotourism sustainability -- Delphi method -- Participatory method -- Consensus score -- Chi-square "goodness-of-fit" test; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2016.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-9736

Abstract

Abstract: This paper proposes an assessment of "Ecotourism Sustainability" at an operational level utilizing Principles-Criteria-Indicators-Verifiers, common in forest and tourism sustainability evaluation. Initially criteria were identified based on a literature review. This was followed by a Delphi Study and Participatory Workshops in Sikkim, India. Finally expert opinions were elicited. 4 principles, 8 criteria, 58 indicators and their corresponding 58 verifiers were established and measures of agreement calculated across different prior stages. From these a framework of analysis for assessing sustainability at an operational level in ecotourism was then established. Highlights: A framework based on Principles-Criteria-Indicators-Verifiers (PCIV) is developed for assessment of "Ecotourism Sustainability". Literature Review, Delphi Study & Participatory Workshops were used to derive PCIV. Analysis led to 4-Principles, 8-Criteria, 58-Indicators and respective 58-Verifiers. Using Goodness-of-Fit test the Principles and their Criteria were made operational. The framework can assess degree of ecotourism sustainability at operational level.