Collaborative networks and tourism management of Peri-Urban forests

Abstract

El Chico National Park (ECNP) is one of the most important peri-urban forests in the state of Hidalgo. Tourism management of this park involves numerous stakeholders with different needs, resources and perceptions of nature. There are four forest communities that are involved in the use of this park for tourism activities, but there are other stakeholders: federal government agencies, state government agencies, municipalities, unorganized smallholder entrepreneurs. Tourism management of this peri-urban forest is a complex issue, particularly, when decision-making processes are centralised by government bodies. This study explores the relationships' structure among government agencies and Community Tourism Associations (CTAs) based on the tourism management of ECNP. This study presents a descriptive analysis of collaborative networks among the park's stakeholders, using a qualitative research approach.