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A better understanding of visitor's behavior and activity patterns is vital to tourism
industry officials to meet the needs of these individuals, as well as to more-effectively
market their communities. Tourism marketing and promotion becomes critical when
competition intensifies between neighboring states and regions. One mechanism to
collect information on visitors is by conducting visitor profile studies. Since 1984,
the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program has assisted communities in this
data collection and analysis effort. The information generated through these studies has
helped communities respond to visitor concerns and needs.
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Nature-based Tourism
Nature-based tourism or ecotourism is the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry
which includes traveling to "pristine" destinations to view natural areas and scenery,
as well as historical and cultural attractions. It is also termed "soft" travel in
that it is designed to protect and enhance natural ecosystems. The Ecotourism Society
defines it as "responsible tourism that conserves the environment and sustains the
well-being of local people." In 1995, 8 million Americans took an ecotour and the
figure is growing by 25 percent annually.
- Delmarva Birding Weekend
- Delaware EcoDiscoveries: The 1997 Guide to
Nature-Based Travel in Delaware
Travel experts predict that nature-based travel will continue to grow
in the years to come. Since 1994, public sector agencies and private
businesses have been working together to promote Delaware's natural
wonders. In 1996, the first Delaware EcoDiscoveries guide debuted to
introduce travelers to an emerging component of the state=s travel and
tourism industry. The 1997 guide has been developed for the nature
traveler to more-fully appreciate the attractions and opportunities
available throughout the state. Whether it=s enjoying a passive walk
through one of the many natural areas in the state, paddling a kayak
along a tidal stream, or viewing the many species of shorebird, there is
much to offer the nature enthusiast. There are programs and activities
for all age groups, so visit Delaware, the nature-friendly state, and get
friendly with nature.
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Delaware EcoDiscoveries: The 1996 Guide
to Ecotourism Attractions in Delaware
Governor Tom Carper bestowed upon
this guide, and those who produced it, a State Tourism Award recognizing
it as Delaware"s Best ecotourism product in 1996
This first guide to ecotourism in Delaware describes the state's natural
wonders and identifies many of the state's services that make up its
tourism industry. Delaware's 13 state parks and other natural areas
provide an opportunity to see such diverse habitats as the forests and
meadows of White Clay Creek State Park, the wetlands of Bombay Hook
National Wildlife Refuge, the dune and shore communities of Cape Henlopen
State Park and the bald cypress swamps of Trap Pond State Park. Most Parks
provide trails for nature hikes, and many offer educational program
throughout the year. Ecotravelers can also enjoy a variety of canoeing
trails throughout the state's inland waterways and rivers, whale and
dolphin watching cruises in the Atlantic Ocean and the annual horseshoe
crab and shorebird migration along the Delaware Bay shoreline.
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