Ecotourism Learning Through Environmental Interpretation Experiences: The Samalayuca Dunes, Mexico

Abstract

This study aims to promote ecotourism practical learning experiences among undergraduate tourism students at the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez (n = 85), applying environmental interpretation through field trips to the Samalayuca Dunes between January 2022 and November 2023. It is an applied and diagnostic – formative study in which a deductive, multidisciplinary, qualitative – quantitative, and transversal approach was implemented using combined sources of information. Mixed methods, both empirical and theoretical, were applied, such as participant observation, interpretative practical fieldwork activities, group discussion, surveys, document analysis, and modeling. The main results were participative environmental interpretation planning, implementation of practical field activities by interpreting visited sites, and student self-evaluations regarding ecotourism learning experiences. The conclusions confirm the favorable contribution of experiential and participatory environmental interpretation activities to undergraduate students’ training process to improving ecotourism learning, demonstrating the convenience of their practical training based on real learning situations.