Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): Transformational Experiences Beyond Borders: Partnership Development for Sustainable Futures
Research Session 5: Nature-based Adventure, Tourism & Metaverse

Environmental Education in Ecotourism Destinations: Visitor Experience on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand

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  • Georgia Cook,
  • Abrar Faisal,
  • Thomas Pernecky
Georgia Cook
Auckland University of Technology
Abrar Faisal
Auckland University of Technology
Thomas Pernecky
Auckland University of Technology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/7es.33

Published 2023-12-01

Keywords

  • Ecotourism,
  • Environmental Education,
  • Visitor Experience,
  • Pro-environmental behaviour,
  • Tiritiri Matangi Island

Copyright (c) 2024 Georgia Cook, Abrar Faisal, Tomas Pernecky

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Ecotourism destinations promote local history and culture and environmental awareness through education. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about the visitor experience of environmental education for promoting a sense of environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviours. This study examines the visitor experience of environmental education programmes on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand, and related impacts on their knowledge, awareness and intentions. The findings of this study suggested that the educational programmes on Tiritiri Matangi Island, including the guided walk, signage and storytelling, had transformative impacts on visitors as they came without the intent to learn and left feeling more knowledgeable and interested in conservation and responsible tourism.

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