How big is the gap? Comparing the behaviours and knowledge of mountain hikers with ecotourism ideals: a case study of Iran

Abstract

Since the emergence of the concept of ecotourism in the late twentieth century, the influence of knowledge and education on nature tourists' behaviour has been explored in a number of studies. This paper reports on Iranian mountaineering club members' engagement in and awareness of ‘ideal’ ecotourism practice. Also reported are observed relationships between participants' knowledge of ecotourism and engagement in ecotourism behaviour, and two explanatory variables, their level of formal education and hiking experience. A sample of 317 mountaineering club members in Isfahan, Iran, was conducted. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire measuring participants' behaviour in mountain environments and their knowledge of ecotourism, which was conceptualised as having three dimensions, environmental, sociocultural, and economic. Results indicated noticeable gaps between participants' knowledge and behaviour and between these two variables and ideal ecotourism practice. Analysis of variance followed by a Tukey test also revealed significant differences among hiking experience groups regarding participants' engagement in ecotourism and knowledge about ecotourism. No significant differences were found among groups segmented by education level. The importance of hiking experience, knowledge of the issue, and effectiveness of formal education in ecotourism practice is discussed.

Keywords:

• ecotourism
• behaviour
• knowledge
• education
• experience
• mountaineering