A systematic review of attributes used in choice experiments for ecotourism practices

The rapid expansion of ecotourism as a sustainable development strategy has heightened the need for evidence-based planning that balances environmental conservation with socio-economic benefits. However, inconsistencies in how attributes are defined and measured in existing Choice Experiment (CE) studies pose significant challenges to the effective interpretation and application of findings in ecotourism policy and planning. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to synthesize the attributes commonly used in CE to evaluate ecotourism practices and to clarify their influence on tourist preferences and decision-making. The study adheres to the PRISMA framework and analyzes 25 peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 and 2024, retrieved from leading academic databases including Scopus and Web of Science. The identified attributes were thematically categorized into three groups: (1) environmental and conservation attributes, (2) recreational and facility preferences, and (3) community and stakeholder perspectives. Findings reveal that tourists demonstrate a strong willingness to pay (WTP) for initiatives that enhance environmental quality and cultural experiences, reflecting growing support for sustainability-centered ecotourism. This review provides a structured understanding of CE attribute usage and underscores the importance of clearly defined, context-relevant attributes for guiding effective survey design, investment decisions, and sustainable tourism development. The synthesized insights serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to align ecotourism strategies with both visitor expectations and long-term conservation goals. • Identifies top ecotourism attributes valued in recent choice experiment studies. • Highlights tourists' willingness to pay for environmental and cultural benefits. • Emphasizes importance of diverse attributes for sustainable ecotourism policy. • Reveals role of community support and stakeholder views in ecotourism success. • Categorizes findings into conservation, recreation, and community-based themes.