Ecotourism practices meeting the sustainability principles: Case of the Republic of Karelia

Abstract

Ecotourism seems to be the one that naturally meets the criteria of sustainable tourism. However, the way it is practiced in some cases may substantially divert from the lines of sustainable development. The paper investigates the correspondence of ecotourism practices to sustainable development criteria in the case of the Republic of Karelia. The aim of the study is to reveal failures and provide research data to elaborate policy recommendations for enhancing ecotourism sustainability. Ecotourism practices in the region were analyzed and classified into three forms: unorganized (independent) tourism, organized active tourism, and ecotours in protected areas. The sample of this study comprised 3 specially protected natural areas in the Republic of Karelia and 9 natural areas without ‘protected area’ status which are popular among tourists. This study employs content analysis method, comparing the feedback reviews about nature destinations in the Republic of Karelia provided by tourists in Yandex.Maps social network. Feedback of tourists was analyzed according to 4 criteria: cleanliness, peace, beautiful landscape and tourist infrastructure. Based on the ratio of positive and negative reviews, conclusions are drawn about the area’s compliance with each criterion. The results show that only ecotours in protected areas fully meets all the criteria of responsible and sustainable tourism in the region studied. Policy incentives should be aimed at encouraging ecotourists and service providers to meet the principles of sustainable tourism.