Ecological Footprint Of International Tourism In National Parks: A Predictive Model Based On Visitation And Natural Resources Data

Abstract

Tourism in protected areas such as national parks generates economic and cultural benefits, but also involves significant environmental impacts. This study develops a predictive model of the ecological footprint of international tourism in national parks, using data on visitation and consumption of natural resources. Multivariate regression techniques and principal component analysis (PCA) were used with data collected from five national parks in Latin America between 2019 and 2024. The results show that the volume of visitors, water use and waste generation are the main determinants of ecological impact. This approach allows for the design of sustainable management strategies adjusted to the tourism profile of each park.