Date of Graduation
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Economics
Advisor/Mentor
Farmer, Amy
Abstract
This thesis explores the cultural and operational disconnect encountered while developing a marketing strategy for Mayflower Bocawina National Park (MBNP) in Belize. During a summer internship, my partner and I aimed to enhance MBNP’s visibility through targeted marketing initiatives, including website updates, promotional materials, and partnership proposals. However, our efforts revealed a deeper tension between external marketing objectives and the park staff’s prioritization of authenticity and experiential promotion. Through firsthand experience and reflection, this paper analyzes the challenges of aligning development strategies with local values, emphasizing the critical role of community engagement, cultural pride, and participatory planning in sustainable tourism development. Drawing on literature in eco-tourism, community engagement, and cultural preservation, the thesis highlights lessons learned and offers recommendations for fostering more collaborative, culturally sensitive marketing approaches in future projects.
Keywords
Eco-tourism; engagement; culture; marketing; sustainability; participation
Citation
Citro, S. E. (2025). Navigating Local Values and External Strategies: Marketing and Development at Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/econuht/75
