Meanings of protected area-based tourism to residents of a nearby rural community: A case study of Tam Lod, Mae Hong Son, Thailand, and, A cross-case community analysis: Ecuador, Guatemala, and Thailand

This study of meanings of protected area-based tourism (PA-based tourism) held by nearby rural communities contained two parts: a case study of Tam Lod, Mae Hong Son, Thailand and a comparison of changes from PA-based tourism in three rural communities (Tam Lod, Thailand; San Marcos, Guatemala; and Mindo, Ecuador). Qualitative inquiry using holistic case and cross-case approaches were employed. Participant observation, in-depth interview, group narrative, archival evidence, and reflective journal were used to generate data. In part one, four themes reflecting meaning of PA-based tourism held by Tam Lod residents emerged: changes in their living conditions, community identity, outlooks on life, and meaning of place and space in and around their community. In part two, themes from three separate case studies were used to generate dimensions and variables of change from PA-based tourism. The five dimensions generated are: (1) social-cultural; (2) economic; (3) community power; (4) place and space; and (5) conservation. Similarities, differences, and uniqueness of these are explained. Key findings include: documentation of the complexity and subtleties of changes from PA-based tourism and that the exposure to economic benefits from PA-based tourism in no way ensures an understanding of the philosophies behind conservation.