Wildlife Tourism

1. Wildlife Tourism Harold Goodwin International Centre for Responsible Tourism University of Greenwich & World Tourism Organisation Consultant

2. UN International Year of Ecotourism There is no universally agreed definition Nature Tourism: all forms of tourism where the main motivation is the observation and appreciation of nature. Ecotourism: nature-based tourism which Involves observation and appreciation of nature combined with the appreciation of traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas Contains educational and interpretation features Generally organised for small groups by specialized and small locally owned businesses Minimizes negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment.

3. People, Nature and Tourism in Scotland Supports the protection of natural areas by Generating economic benefits for host communities and organisations responsible for conserving natural areas. Creating jobs and increased opportunities for local communities Increasing awareness among locals and tourists of the need to conserve natural and cultural assets.

4. WTO International Year of Ecotourism WTO Market Studies Canada France Germany Italy Spain UK USA International Year of the Mountains Series of preparatory meetings including Austria World Ecotourism Summit Quebec 22-24 May 2002

5. Two main motivations for package holiday choice by age grouping � UK Market 26% of UK package travel holiday makers are ecotourism orientated

6. Important requirements for package holiday makers who expressed an ecotourism preference

7. British Ecotourism Market Concept is little used in the UK market place 200 UK operators offer nature-based tourism experiences UK ecotourists tend to be over 35, slightly more women than men, higher social classes strongly represented.

8. The importance of wildlife tourism in the worldwide market. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature says that 20% of revenue generated from tourism in developing countries is due to ecotourism. 30 m international travellers (5% off all international tourist arrivals) took an ecotourism trip in 1998. Many ecotourism trips are domestic. c20 million travellers took an ecotourism trip in 1998 within the USA. Kenya estimates that eight out of ten visitors come for wildlife, as do most in Costa Rica, WTO 2020

9. People, Nature and Tourism International Market Trends Experiential � active rather than passive Adventure and soft adventure Short breaks Extended seasons Wildlife and culture Authenticity � wildlife, food and living culture

10. Marine Wildlife 1990�s whale watching grew at 12.1% per year internationally South Africa: Big 6 510,000 whale watchers in 1998 1200m Whale Route Hermanus 1991-1998 120 new businesses 11 day Whale Festival

11. Why is wildlife tourism important? Contribution to conservation Financial Education and awareness Rural economy SMME�s 283 facilities or sites/ 2,960 jobs Stewardship � managed landscapes Market positioning for Scotland Wildlife enthusiasts and general tourists Wild Scotland � a land for all seasons60

12. People, Nature and Tourism in Scotland It�s Wild Pre/post visit France 79/90 Wildlife Pre/post visit Italy 51/74 Increasingly Accessible? Transport Accommodation Attractions � guides 1997-2001?70% boat trips1997-2001?62% Where would I buy a Wildlife Package? Not visible in the National Marketing Effort Co-operation between Scottish wildlife specialists to bring wildlife tourists to Scotland Quality of the experience