Ecolodge Publication

Ecolodge Study Examines the Market for and Business Characteristics of Ecolodges

Ecolodges: Exploring Opportunities for Sustainable Business (PDF, 5mb. This link opens the full report, or you may open the report in sections below.)

This publication, released by the Environmental Business Finance Program (EBFP), summarizes two studies that emphasize environmental, social and economic sustainability in the ecolodge sector. Key factors are highlighted regarding what makes an ecolodge environmentally, socially and financially successful. It is the first in a series of reports resulting from EBFP's research activities on the market for environmentally friendly goods and services. Future publications will examine the experiences in other sectors that have important environmental and social benefits and growth potential.

Section 1 (PDF, 3.21mb)

• Foreword
• Introduction
• Background: The Ecolodge Marketplace
• Ecotourism Policy

Section 2 (PDF, 1.25mb)

• The Business Case: How Can Ecolodges be Financially Viable?
• What Are the Potential Positive and Negative Impacts?
• Conclusion: The Future of the Ecolodge Market

Section 3 (PDF, 1mb)

• Appendix A: Key Baseline Indicators for Biodiversity Impact: A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Ecolodges
• Appendix B: Table A.1: Lodge Listings by Country
• Appendix C: Case Studies
• Appendix D: Contact List

Ecolodge Footprint and Justification for Biodiversity Conservation (ZIP, 9mb)

This study had four components: 1) an analytical survey of existing literature on ecolodge development and biodiversity conservation, 2) an in-depth survey and analysis of 106 of the world’s leading nature-based lodges to assess their environmental, social and economic impacts, 3) mapping of nature-based lodges in 60 countries by their location, amenities, and lost cost, and 4) monitoring and evaluation indicators for measuring environmental, social and economic impacts before, during, and after (operational phase) construction. Authors are Kelly Bricker, Martha Honey, Neel Inamdar, and Maria Placht. Researchers from West Virginia University are Sarah Millington, Jason Siniscalchi, and Trace Gale.

A Review of International Markets, Business, Finance and Technical Assistance Models for Ecolodges in Developing Countries (PDF, 753kb)

This study had two components: 1) an analysis of demand characteristics for eco-lodges, and 2) survey and analysis of the financial viability of eco-lodges. The authors are Megan Epler Wood, Pam Wight and Associates, and Jeanine Corvetto.