Estimating the value of ecotourism and the status of education, environmental and socio-economic factors affecting it

Abstract

Introduction: In the new approach to ecotourism, as a spatial model of tourism in nature,
the purpose of ecotourism is not only for tourism and recreation, but also as a means of
environmental protection and economic development. In this view, ecotourism is primarily
concerned with environmental considerations and the concept of sustainable development,
and recreation is of secondary importance.
Materials & Methods: In this study, conditional valuation method and questionnaire were
used to estimate the ecotourism value of Kosalan protected area. For this purpose, logit
analytical model was used and based on the maximum likelihood method, the indicators of
this model were estimated and evaluated. Respondents' opinions are divided into five
groups: completely agree, agree, disagree, disagree and strongly disagree as a percentage.
Result: The results show that visitors agree with the following in order to protect the
environment: Receipt of value added tax by the government to protect the ecosystem and
plant and animal species of the region, the participation of indigenous peoples and in the
protection and preservation of habitats and its revival, education and environmental
awareness, economic and social development of human societies.
Conclusion: The point to be noted is the large number of private investment in the region,
which reminds the government of the need for more attention and investment.