Ecotourism: Argument/Persuasion

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Note: researchers may be prompted to login using their SPC credentials. 

For this essay, we will look at one issue together and go through the process of learning more about it and taking an informed stance. The subject we will look at is ecotourism, which has a direct impact on us as residents of a state heavily dependent on tourism.

We all have different opinions and issues about what we hear or see in the news and even in our everyday lives. These opinions are what we think based on our experience. Now what if we listen to others' opinions and arguments and find facts that support what we think? With a persuasive or argumentative essay you can:

• Analyze a problem or controversy
• Develop your own informed opinion
• State facts and evidence to support your opinion or views

Decide what the purpose of your essay is:

• To Convince others to share your opinion
• To convince your reader to do something
• To seek support for a cause or solution
• To inform others through a cohesive argument

Proceed by:

• Selecting a topic (controversy, current affair, or issue)
• Finding out background information
• Seeking evidence
  • explore different viewpoints
  • find information that supports your viewpoint
  • find additional information

Cite your sources and cite within your argument to avoid plagiarism.

What is Ecotourism?

Coral Restoration Ecotourism in the Florida Keys

• Center for Sustainable Destinations

  Geotourism: Places, tips and articles from National Geographic

• Eco-Tourism Travel Guide

  Links to articles from the New York Times web site travel section.

• AgMRC Agricultural Marketing Resource Center External

  "This web site is for businesses in the agricultural area and covers traditional and "nontraditional" areas of business and profit for agriculturally based businesses. Covers the areas of: Nature-based Tourism; Equine Agri Tourism; Nature-based Tourism; and Wine Tours. The Agritourism overview includes statistics from several states and links to various other resources.: (LOC Research guide)

• Journal of Ecotourism  (Open Access only) The Journal of Ecotourism is the world's only international journal that "focuses specifically on ecotourism and nature-based tourism, and it is considered to be the leading source for knowledge on these topics." 

• Sustainable Tourism Gateway

  Portal to organizations that develop awareness and educate on issues related to sustainable tourism

• EcoTourism Florida is a fun resource, but too commercial; don't use it for our essay, but use it to explore the subject!

Where do you go to follow the issues and listen/read the news?
Explore the places below...

Here are some select comprehensive general databases to find articles, ebooks, and other resources. Note: some of the databases below include tourism, environmental studies, and other topics related to ecotourism.