This study is an attempt to determine whether ecotourism, contrary to the impacts of traditional mass tourism, is having the anticipated impacts at the grassroots level on the small Caribbean island nation of Dominica. Ecotourism has become an alternative economic activity for people in many developing nations. Initially, in the quest for financial gains, the governments of these nations turned to conventional mass tourism as the generator of capital. However, the short-run need for capital has, in many cases, resulted in the long-run destruction of the cultural and physical environment of the destination country. Furthermore, the anticipated capital gains from mass tourism have not been realized as foreign involvement has led to the repatriation of revenues outside of these developing nations. This situation has left conservationists, governments, and their people searching for a more benign form of tourism, one that benefits the local people while maintaining the culture and environment. Many see ecotourism as a type of tourism that accomplishes the above-mentioned goals of financial gain, local benefits, and cultural and environmental maintenance. A review of some ecotourism destinations in Latin America and Africa show that the expected results have not been as forthcoming. Dominica presents a unique place to study ecotourism as it is a small island nation developing a comprehensive ecotourism product. The findings of this research suggests that ecotourism in Dominica is creating linkages with other parts of the Dominica economy, including the agriculture sector, and boosting more diverse regional development on the island. The evidence on the ability of ecotourism to alleviate seasonality in tourism arrivals to the island is inconclusive. However, it appears that involvement in the ecotourism industry, and a related reliance on the surrounding environment are strong motivating factors in getting people more concerned about their environment and practicing conservation measures.
This study of ecotourism on Dominica may prove instructive when considering sustainable development of tourism, particularly in the rest of the Caribbean and other small developing nations. This study has practical importance to Dominica and its government at a time when the industry is in its youthful stage and adjustments can be made early on to avoid irreparable damage. This research, done on alternative sustainable development options, is important now that other previously important economic activities such as agricultural exports are being closed off for many countries.