A review of developmental impacts of eco-cultural tourism

Eco-cultural tourism creates a new product by combining natural attractions, biodiversity, conservation, human footprints and overall development. This paper reviews existing literatureon the impacts of eco-cultural tourism on rural communities endowed with ecological andcultural attractions in addressing poverty and rural development needs. Specifically, itaddresses the tripartite sustainable development needs, the attractions, in-situ andex-situcommunities and their development issues — this qualitative study employed a desk review. The search engines were Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Web of Science. Theconcepts included eco-cultural tourism, tourism development, and community responses. Thedata analysis used content analysis, identifying similarities and differences. The results indicatethe strength of eco-cultural tourism in creating essential economic opportunities suchas jobs, and boosting other income sources such as carpentry, fishing and social relations for social capital. The environment is conserved and cultural standards are upheld. Nonetheless, thebenefits are unequal, and the culture is priced for commodification. There is amixedcommunity response, such as euphoria for the beneficiaries and apathy/resistancefromthreatened livelihoods. This paper contributes to eco-cultural tourismunderstandingandpromotion, and recommends inclusivity and equitable sharing of the benefits toensurestakeholder commitment and collaboration.