Master of Arts, Miami University, 2014, Geography

The Israel National Trail and Jesus Trail are fascinating examples for geographers to look at in terms of sustainable tourism development. Interviews and participant observation conducted show that hikers and personnel along the trails are becoming more aware of issues within sustainability such as large amounts of trash and lack of water. Surveys conducted show the hikers along these trails are not doing much to be sustainable. These results can be seen from a lack of education and understanding of ecotourism along Israel's trails. Ecotourism is a fast growing sector of tourism and can offer ways to help preserve Israel's Trails environment, culture, as well as help out areas economically. By using the approach of surveys, interviews, and participant observation, this thesis examines how stakeholders perceive and address aspects of ecotourism along the Israel National Trail and Jesus Trail in Israel, focusing on the Lower Galilee and Negev Region.

Committee: Stanley Toops Dr. (Advisor); David Prytherch Dr. (Committee Member); Carl Dahlman Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Geography