Ecotourism, Handicrafts and the Management of Protected Areas in DevelopingCountries

摘要

The sale of tourist merchandise, in particular handicrafts, as a way of capturingrevenues from eco-tourists to parks and reserves is explored. The paper begins by reviewing the literature on the characteristics and buying habits of tourists and on handicraft production and PVO efforts to promote handicraft commercialization. Income, employment, and marketing issues are considered, as well as product development, cultural authenticity, and institutional aspects. Particular attention is paid to whether the supply of the raw materials to produce tourist merchandise is sustainable. According to the report, there are strong arguments for selling tourist merchandise as an adjunct to park management in cases where local residents need a sustainable livelihood and where tourist visitation is expected to be high.