Ecotourism Projects: Impact on Environmental Attitudes in Introductory Hospitality Courses

Abstract

This research project investigated the effects of experience with a group project about ecotourism on attitudes about the environment. Using a pretest, posttest design, students enrolled in an introductory hospitality course were asked their attitudes about the environment. Then, they participated in a group project in which they studied an ecotourism business and were exposed to environmental issues affecting the industry. After the project was completed, the instructors again measured students' attitudes about the environment. No significant differences in environmental attitudes were found from pretest to posttest, although gender differences and unexpected other findings have implications for the future of the industry and instruction.

Keywords:

• Environmental concern
• NEP scale
• hospitality education