Ecotourism in natural protected areas of LPB has captured the attention of many
sectors in Mexico. There are big expectations about what ecotourism can produce as ´
well as concerns about its pitfalls. Interviewees from all sectors agreed that regional
development, compatibility with conservation, potential to incorporate and create
benefits for the local community and a conservation strategy were the most
outstanding aspects that ecotourism in Mexico can offer. Moreover, ecotourism in ´
LPB was seen as a new potential tourism market given the natural conditions in the
Sea of Cortes. ´
However, all interviewees pointed out the lack of regulations and guidelines for
ecotour and nature-based operators. Therefore, it was felt, many tour operators are
selling ‘ecotourism’ tours in exchange for short-term profits, and this had led to the