Safety Criteria in Ecotourism Activities: The Case of a Marine Salt Pan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to examine the application of the main safety rules in ecotourism activities in a marine salt pan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that, among the activities analyzed, the best way perceived to maintain social distance was the guided tour activity, while hand hygiene was seen as the most important in the saline bath and in the combined activity. Mask was generally removed in activities involving immersion in water by tourists. These measures were crucial to ensure a sense of security and wellbeing both for tourists and employees of the tourism and hospitality industry.