ECOTOURISM - THE SINGAPORE EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to understand the concept of "ecotourism", and how it fits into the overall tourism environment in Singapore. Specifically, it seeks to disprove the assertion that Singapore can develop ecotourism to a viable level, and offers the alternative of developing Singapore as an ecotourism hub for the Southeast Asian region. The dissertation first examines a case study of Sungei Buloh Nature Park, and shows how limitations in its seasonal attractions and size place a ceiling on the number of tourists to the Park, and how attempting to increase this ceiling will contradict the conservation ethic behind ecotourism. The dissertation also examines Singapore's strengths and weaknesses in the tourism arena, and offers suggestions on leveraging these strengths in order to capitalize on the growing ecotourism market.