Perceptions of ecotourism [microform] : a case study of whitewater guides in the rural highlands of Fiji

Ecotourism is advocated in Fiji as a means of spreading economic benefits of tourism to rural areas while preserving the social environment. This study explores the social and cultural impacts of employment in ecotourism as a whitewater guide in two provinces in the rural highlands. Qualitative methods and in-depth interviews are utilized to seek an understanding of the guides' transition from employment as a farmer to a whitewater guide and the corresponding ramifications on their daily lives. This research reveals a wide range of perceived benefits and costs that could have implications for individual and community host satisfaction and adjustment to ecotourism, and changes in lifestyle, social structure, and culture. These include: local control, rural-urban migration, leisure patterns, part-time versus full-time employment, village quality of life and authoritative structure, type of employment, and host-guest relationships.

Further research is warranted to enhance understanding of the long-term effects of these phenomena.