Using an hybrid AHP-SWOT method to build participatory ecotourism development strategies: The case study of the Cupe Valley Natural Reserve in Southern Italy

Within Protected Areas, the Natural Reserves are intended to maintain the ecosystems, so environmental protection is the first objective of ecotourism, which is ecological tourism that does not disturb the environment. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the ecotourism development prospects of the Cupe Valley Reserve in Calabria, Southern Italy. Starting with an explanation of Protected Areas, the paper develops the concept of ecotourism, which allows local communities to benefit from this recreational activity. There follows a description of the area, its tourist flows, and the process that led to the establishment of the Nature Reserve. Then, the methodology section applies the hybrid A’WOT model, whereby various strategies can be formulated in order to weigh the elements that make up the SWOT analysis. The results show how the enhancement of natural resources has changed the economy of the local community, but they also highlight the political problems and obstacles that can impede the development process of the area. Therefore, the strategies are designed to take account of the opinions of the interviewed stakeholders, who represent the main categories of local actors in the entire framework of the Reserve, together with the municipalities and an environmental organization.