Applying the Delphi method in an ecotourism context: A response to Deng et al.s Development of a point evaluation system for ecotourism destinations: A Delphi method

This research note is a response to the paper written by Deng, Bender and Selin, which attempted to use the Delphi method to develop a point evaluation system for ecotourism destinations. It argues that their application of the method is flawed due to the incidence of a phenomenon known as panel attrition and that the findings of their study are fundamentally compromised as a result. This is particularly disappointing in view of the fact that panel attrition is a well-known potential problem with Delphi studies and there are a number of measures that could have been taken to safeguard against it. Attempts to recover the reputation of the Delphi method will not succeed until researchers fully appreciate its potential shortcomings and take the necessary steps to avoid them.