Information Provided through Websites by Australian Ecotourism Operators and valuation of Users through Online Questionnaires

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to summarize the information provided by Australian ecotourism operators to tourists and clarify the characteristics of the information. In this research, the following three investigations were conducted: 1) an attitude survey of the operators for understanding the details and frequency of the information provided and received (n＝39), 2) investigation of search procedures used by the operators to collect opinions of users, based on the questionnaires carried out by them (n＝49), and 3) investigation of contents of transmitted information based on the information provided in the websites and social networks established by the operators (n＝377). The research results showed that many of the operators are utilizing not only the conventional websites but also Facebooks and buzz marketing sites as the advertising methods. The results also revealed that some of the operators are still using direct communications and questionnaires as the principal methods of collecting opinions of tourists. Some of the operators did not advertise their authenticated products in the contents of transmitted information. In many of their advertisements, they introduced their approach and contribution to the protection of nature.