Who benefits from the ecotourism sector in Southern Ethiopia?

Abstract Ecotourism has emerged within the umbrella of alternative tourism development in the 1980s. Since its emergence ecotourism has been championed as a tool to achieve the dual aims of conservation and development. However, ecotourism is criticized for not attaining the objectives it purports. In contrast to a self-fulfilling prophesy research approach whose intent is to prove something with preconceived assumptions, this study seeks to explore and better understand the reality on the ground under the lenses of stakeholder and collaboration theories and the principles of triple bottom-line predominantly from participants point of view. The study argues that in destinations of developing countries where there are limited livelihood opportunities, failure to meaningfully participate ecotourism stakeholders, especially host communities accelerates not only the demise of ecotourism but also jeopardizes the entire ecosystem. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for the various stakeholders to redress the current situation and develop the ecotourism sector in a more participative and sustainable manner.