Reference list

Main variables in the Research Project 7

Introduction

The following project focuses on a proposal that reflects the business problem associated with eco-tourism in the gold coast. The Gold coast is an attractive tourist destination in Australia and the government needs to focus on eco-tourism. Eco-tourism is associated with the tourism business that is focused towards the natural environment and its conservation (Beaumont, 2011). This current research study discusses the problem that is associated with the Eco-tourism in Gold coast. The previous research problem that existed and a decision was taken already is also discussed. A questionnaire is prepared based on which the current problem in the proposal is discussed. The proposal also discusses that why ecotourism is important and to what extent the promotion of ecotourism is essential to boost the tourism industry of Australia. The methodology, as well as the research design, is discussed. As a research sample, a survey is conducted regarding the importance of ecotourism from the locals in Gold Coast. The main objectives were to see how ecotourism has contributed in conserving a place and how the locals can be involved in the process of conservation.

Business problem

Literature Review

The concept of ecotourism is new and the ecological environment is subject to constant change with the seasons. To attract tourists sometimes activities such as trekking or snowboarding etc., are encouraged. These activities may sometimes affect the environment in the mountains areas. As visitors of a particular location increases the locals tend to earn profits through selling products made from the endangered species. The Large production of such products may affect the ecological environment. The knowledge regarding the preservation of the environment needs to be spread among the local people. Constant learning and knowledge regarding the preservation of the environment need to be focused. Hence the use of bio-degradable products needs to be promoted. Waste minimisation by using biodegradable cups or plates is essential. Re-use and recycle of products is important. The use of low-flow toilets is important which has dual flash systems. Use of air-conditioned rooms need to be minimised and during the summers people shall enjoy the breeze of nature. Small rooms and small bathrooms add benefits by saving space and water. The government has recently given an importance on the use of eco-friendly features such as solar powers, low showers and collecting the water from rains. Using composting systems for toilets as well as using green roofs is also important. Tourists thus need to reduce baths as well as reduce the use of ACs. Travelling through local transports also reduces costs and enables a motive for eco travel. Eco-tourism also requires some amount of financial help from the government. Development of the amenities and providing facilities to make the remote areas accessible to the tourists is also important. The impacts of ecotourism vary depending on the social and environmental aspects. The main motive behind ecotourism is to protect, maintain and respects the value related to the environment and people of that area. The local guides focus more on soft tourism which reflects the experience of an individual rather than mass tourism. To reduce the risk of the species especially the gorillas however some sets of rules are introduced by the government. Enforcement of strict rules help to prevent the endangered animals and birds in the Gold Coast. The cost and travel expenses have also been reduced by the government.

Research Design

In the following proposal, the impacts of ecotourism and how that affects the motives of the tourists well as the locals is discussed. A survey was conducted online targeting a small number of people. An online questionnaire was provided and the responses from the respondents were captured. The questions were targeted towards the tourists and people who are interested in visiting places during holidays. The research design of the product is quantitative. The research design here helps to obtain the information regarding what extent the behaviour of the tourists affects the strategy of eco-tourism of the Gold Coast. The research related to quantitative research is descriptive in nature. The descriptive methods can either be concrete or discrete. The descriptive analysis might consist of both primary as well as secondary data. The overall research design reflects the overall strategies that help to understand the different components related to the study. The main purpose of the research design helps to understand the main research problems logically through the evidence obtained. The data collected here were quantitative which involved the use of data from the surveys and used to analyse the problem associated with the research question. Qualitative data were also collected to explain the background of the problem or the literature review related to the ecotourism in Gold Coast.

Main variables in the Research Project

Sample Requirements

Ethical issues

The questionnaire is made available online to record the responses however there is no authenticated information. The responses might not be honest in giving their responses which might affect the research. The age of the respondents is also not clear and many respondents online might fake age. The sample size targeted is also large hence the responses from the international tourists might vary company to the national tourists. Hence the motives of the tourists and the problems behind the ecotourism are not always clearly reflected. The participation of the respondents needs to be voluntary. The participants in the research process need to be anonymous and the people need to have a sense of confidentiality. Hence ethical behaviours reflect a sense of honesty to fulfil; the research objectives.

Conclusion

The Gold Coast of Australia is very rich in the scenic beauty consisting of golden beaches and green rainforests along with national parks. The mountains, as well as the oceans, need to be conserved. The destinations attract tourists from all over the world among whom a sense of sustainability of the environment is increasing. The natural areas are promoted more through ecotourism and the resources are properly utilised along with a sense of conservation. Ecotourism has led to the success of tourism in the Gold Coast. However, the locals need to keep a constant check on the depletion of the natural resources. The tourist's activities appear to be more attractive to attract the tourists and through eco-tourism awareness, people have become more aware of the environmental issues.

Reference List

Buultjens, J., Gale, D., & White, N. E. (2010). Synergies between Australian indigenous tourism and ecotourism: possibilities and problems for future development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18(4), 497-513.

Fennell, D. A. (2014). Ecotourism. Routledge.

Sukserm, T., Thiengkamol, N., & Thiengkamol, T. (2012). Development of the ecotourism management model for forest park. Journal of the Social Sciences, 7(1), 95-99.

Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.

Appendix: Questionnaire

37- 47
48-58

Female

3. Income per annum

4. What you prefer while booking a holiday?

Mountains
Others

Business problems

High level

6. Do you prefer going to an eco-tourist holiday?

Individually and independently
Independently with family

$1000-1400
$1500-1900

May be

11. Rank the reason you prefer in an eco-tourist destination.

View unusual flora and fauna
In support to provide economic benefits to locals

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