Date of Graduation
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Jinyang Deng
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to 1) identify and develop criteria and indicators for forestbased ecotourism in West Virginia based on the input of academic experts in the field as well as nature-based tour operators, 2) compare similarities and differences between the two groups utilizing Spearman’s statistic and 3) create a point evaluation system. The study was conducted through two rounds of the Delphi method. E-mailed and mailed self-complete questionnaires were distributed among the participants. They were asked to rate the importance level of criteria and indicators using a Likert scale. In addition, the participants were asked to rank the importance of the criteria and indicators relative to each other. In both rounds, a high level of consensus existed among both groups. As expected through the usage of the Delphi Method, a significantly higher consensus was formed in the second round. Despite this higher consensus, some disagreement persisted among the groups especially concerning those criteria and indicators involved with the participation of and socio-economic benefits to local communities.
Recommended Citation
Bender, Maureen Young, "Development of criteria and indicators for evaluating forest-based ecotourism destinations: A Delphi study." (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 11060.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11060