TOURISTS' OPINION TOWARDS ECO-TOURISM

Abstract: Ecotourism is frequently recommended as a technique for encouraging conservation, however the evidence is conflicting. Since local perceptions of natural resources and conservation might play a significant role in determining conservation behaviour, it is crucial to understand whether ecotourism has an impact on how positively local communities view conservation. One tourist's behaviour can also be used as a stand-in for the behaviors of other tourists when evaluating the social function of the tourist. Tourists set the societal norms of behaviour in the tourism industry by their actions. This study was carried out to examine visitor perceptions of ecotourism in Karnataka because issues relating to natural resource protection and ecotourism are currently top-of-mind for the general population. The research study includes three categories: ecotourism development, tourist behaviour, and awareness level on ecotourism. The study's findings show that there is a critical need for increased public involvement, programmes to raise awareness, government initiatives, and instruction on responsible tourist behaviour among travelers