Eco-Lodge Patrons’ Characteristics; The Sri Lankan Perspective

Abstract

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A^negative environmental and socio-cu J rural impacts of mass tourism become more apparent, the appeal of, alternative forms o f tourism, especially ecotourism, has increased globally. With the growing; d|h|pnd<for ecotourism and nature-based tourism, eco-lodges are becoming more popular it i $*** ’’*&&?' * * ~J > as|an alteni^^|.;^c,c,^mfodation choice. As such, development of eco-lodge indtistry has wider im p lic a tio n sY ^ |?^ ^ ^ ^ '^ |p e c ialiy when considered the country's high^oteiu|a| fpr ecotourism. and the need accommodation for rp i^ & p p iip J T i Vais. However, eco-lodge industry'Sri or no studies have attempted t o ^ k p l o r e 'c h a ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 8 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ % ^ ^ ^ ^ p m t n o d a t i o n in|eco-lodges. Such knowledge is .yitalin planning and systematic #% Jopm enttf|f tlip eco-lodge industry in Sri Lanka l ' ik'f ■ W 'c ■/. W • v ■ ■- f ' Y Thijs study ptempts to develop distinct visitor profiles ,@f %co~todge patrons based on their der 5ogxaphi(|charactef|5tic, trip charactep sties andjtrayel mo|ivatibp. !; ‘ (' Survey o f 220 ecolodge occupdnts in 12 selected eediodges found that majority of the respondents were between the ages of 26-55 and, highly educated with at'least a bachelor’s degree, and moderate to high income. In ienus of trip characteri stics, the m ^ority o f the respondents stayed in ecolodges for 1-3 days, and travelled with spouse or family. Natural and cultural features were among the main pull motives for selecting the destination. Ecolodge patrons seem rely on the Internet, travel guide books, and word of mouth as major sources of information in selecting accommodation. Ecolodge patrons’ strong agreement with statements on nature-based elements, design and service quality indicate that Sri Lankan ecoiodges provide unique nature-based experiences for visitors. However, results further indicated that Sri Lankan ecolodge industry has given less attention on the educational or learning component of ecotourism. This calls for better strategies to educate the visitors about their environmental responsibilities, and improved interpretive tour facilities.