Constellation, le dépôt institutionnel de l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Résumé

This study first presents current trend in the world tourism, the repercussions of the old models of tourism and the tourism alternatives to promote a lasting development. By selecting two bays belonging to The Most Beautiful Bay of the World Club, specifically Tadoussac bay in Quebec, Canada and Banderas bay in Mexico, we will be able to distinguish biophysics, socio-economic, political-administrative and tourist elements that, in the turn, will enable us to contrast the negative and positive impacts of tourism on the bays. The methodology is based on a study of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats that will enable identifying the priorities that should be undertaken in each bay in order to develop tourism without threatening their natural and cultural environment.

Currently, the concept of "ecotourism" is being widely promoted, but it has not yet clearly defined. Therefore, it could pose either a threat or a benefit to natural resources (the protected areas, biosphere reserves, conservative parks) and human resources (local communities). By comparing two bays, we will be able to highlight the promotional strategies developed by some ecotourism association on the local and regional level.

Cooperation amongst the different organizations of the international level could contribute to sound ecotourism management. We contend that The Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club couid serve as a vehicle to faster promotion through the exchange of experience of circuits that encourage conservation of the bays and the education of the participants, ensuring the protection of the protection of their territory based on the principles of sustainable development.