This research addresses the pivotal role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in advancing the management of ecotourism initiatives towards greater sustainability and operational efficiency. Amid growing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices, this study introduces a comprehensive KPI framework specifically designed for ecotourism. Through a mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative analysis of ecotourism performance data and qualitative insights from industry experts, the study systematically identifies and evaluates the effectiveness of strategic KPIs in optimizing ecotourism operations. The findings reveal that a strategic, KPI-driven management approach significantly enhances decision-making processes, aligns operations with sustainability goals, and improves stakeholder engagement within ecotourism settings. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of involving stakeholders in the KPI development process and demonstrates the potential of technology-enhanced KPI tracking for fostering transparency and accountability. By operationalizing sustainability through actionable metrics, this study contributes valuable insights into the implementation of best practices in ecotourism management, offering a robust framework for practitioners to assess and improve their sustainability performance. Ultimately, the research advocates for a paradigm shift towards a more strategic and data-driven approach in ecotourism, underscoring the critical role of KPIs in achieving the objectives of global sustainability and conservation.
MoghadasNian et al. (Tue,) studied this question.