Community participation and support for ecotourism in protected natural areas: Evidence from the Dominican Republic

Abstract

This study investigates how community participation in tourism, perceived benefits, and perceived costs influence support for ecotourism development in the Pico Diego de Ocampo Natural Monument, Dominican Republic. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through surveys of the local population, applying PLS-SEM analysis to evaluate the proposed model. The results reveal that community participation in tourism positively influences support for ecotourism and that perceived benefits act as a significant mediator. In contrast, perceived costs did not show positive mediation. These findings highlight the importance of integrating local communities in ecotourism management and planning, highlighting that the perception of benefits can foster a culture of conservation and a deeper commitment to sustainable tourism. This study contributes to the literature on community-based ecotourism and suggests the need for policies that maximize benefits to local communities and promote their active participation in conservation and sustainable tourism.