Research Paper
Year: 2019 | Month: June | Volume: 6 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 362-368
Perceptions of Eco and Agri-Tourism Operators on the Impact of Their Industry in Sustainable Development
Jelannie Yanquiling
Instructor, Pangasinan State University, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The primary purpose of this study is to arrived at a strategic development plan for the promotion of eco and agri-tourism industry in Pangasinan. To achieve this purpose, the researcher determined the business profiles of eco and agri-tourism sites in Pangasinan, looked into the difference in the business profiles between public and private eco and agri-tourism sites and looked into the perceptions of public and private eco and agri-tourism site operators and employees on the potential impact of eco and agri-tourism industry in the province. Furthermore, the study determined if there is significant difference between public and private operators and employee’s perceptions on this impact along the dimensions of sustainability. All the data and insights derived from this study served as basis for the development of strategic development plan.
The researcher employed the descriptive method of research. Using both parametric and non-parametric statistical tests such as Mann-Whitney test, t-test for independent samples and chi-square test, the researcher quantified the data gathered using the survey questionnaire. Data obtained from the questionnaire were validated using interview, on-site visit and observation.
The researcher concluded that the business profiles eco and agri-tourism site operators in Pangasinan vary across public and private entities. Moreover, public and private eco and agri-tourism sites significantly differ in terms of their business profiles; hence, the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in term so their business profiles is rejected at 0.05 level of significance. The researcher likewise concluded that employees and operators of public and private eco and agri-tourism sites in Pangasinan have a favorable perception as to the impact of their industry in sustainable development as shown by the perceived very high impact along the three dimensions of sustainable development.
Key words: ecotourism, agri-tourism, sustainable tourism, sustainable business, sustainable development.
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