Special Interest Tourism - Essay Example

?Special Interest Tourism Report The discussion of this report majorly focuses on the new trend of tourism that has developed in this periodof industrialisation. Wildlife tourism has increasingly grown in different countries thereby, contributing to the development of the economy, especially of the developing nations. However, due to the rapid increase in footfall of the tourists across the world, negative impacts have also been observed on the wild animals and its habitat. Most importantly, species of different types are found to be fading at an increased rate either due to the shifting observed with regard to their habitat or getting killed for extracting valuable parts which are available at higher costs. The report helps in further portraying the findings that have been evaluated from various studies and survey reports. It has been observed that in addition to the revenue generation from wildlife tourism, employment opportunities have also increased immensely in order to provide effective services to the tourists. Moreover, the growing concerns about the environmental impacts have led to making contribution towards conserving the wildlife areas and animals. Thus, initiatives by the government and considerable support from the tourists will help to preserve the wildlife areas along with providing memorable experiences regarding wildlife tourism. Table of Contents 1 Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Common Characteristics of Wildlife Tourism 5 Distinguishing Wildlife Tourism from Conventional Mass Tourism 6 Motivations of Tourists 7 Positive and Negative Impacts of Wildlife Tourism 8 Identification of Risk and Relevant Risk Minimisation Strategies 10 Recommendations 12 Conclusion 13 References 15 Bibliography 18 18 Introduction Tourism is deemed to be one of the most popular recreational activities adopted by people across the world. In this rapidly altering environment, where technological advances have increased the degree of stress in the life of professionals, tourism can act as a remedy or relief in the lives of such individuals. However, in modern days tourism has been classified and named distinctly according to the nature or specific qualities, such as wildlife tourism, conventional mass tourism and tourism in terms of pilgrimage. Although, wildlife tourism is gaining popularity across the world due to the association of adventure and thrill, its impact on different species has attracted major concerns (Sinha, 2001). Wildlife tourism has been observed to be playing an imperative role in the tourism industry and has considerably contributed to the growth of economy for several countries and communities. Activities such as watching wildlife animals in their natural setting, sports hunting, fishing and videotaping are associated with wildlife tourism which has been the major attractions for majority of the tourists. In addition to its negative impacts, this form of tourism has contributed significantly to the growth of awareness concerning wildlife by generating revenue for the purpose of conserving the forests. Furthermore, wildlife tourism has been able to generate jobs for the local communities, thereby reducing the unemployment rate of various developing countries (Tapper, 2006). The report will discuss the common characteristics of wildlife tourism. Furthermore, it will evaluate the distinct factors between wildlife tourism and Conventional Mass Tourism (CMT). The report will moreover discuss the motivational factors that attract tourists to participate in this form of tourism. It will also help to determine the impacts on the environment due to wildlife tourism. In addition, the report will identify the risks associated and recommend strategies for minimising those. Common Characteristics of Wildlife Tourism Wildlife tourism gained rapid recognition after the World War II by enabling tourists to get a view of different animals and species in national parks or forests owned by the government. Furthermore, this form of tourism has been promoted by the initiatives of the government for arranging facilities to make it possible for the tourists to visit the habitats of the animals. Interests of tourists in relation to wildlife varies considerably i.e. from scientific study to entertainment or leisure purpose which may change in the forthcoming years. Common characteristics in wildlife tourism involve experiencing the wild animals in their natural settings, observing their behaviour and activities and appreciate the beauty of different species which are rare. However, it has been observed that tourists’ attention focused more on observing the large and exotic animals and their behavioural activities. However, proficient form of guiding and explanation to the tourists help in making every species interesting, thereby creating a memorable experience for the tourists (Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, 2010). The recent era has marked the introduction of various technologies that facilitated tourists to experience the sight of certain species which dwelled in unreachable habitats. Not only mammals and birds attracted tourists which were more commonly viewed in the traditional period, fish, reptiles and insects have evolved as a new kind of attraction in wildlife tourism. In addition, wildlife tourism can be classified into two types, namely Non-consumptive and Consumptive wildlife tourism. Non-consumptive tourism includes activities which are not related to killing or capturing of wild animals. Rather, it includes photographing and video recording the behaviours and activities of the wild animals. However, wildlife photographers are more prone to disturbing the wild animals as they want to take a closer view. On the other hand, wildlife observers tend to disturb the animals less rather observing their each and every move from a distant place. Comparatively, consumptive tourism involves capturing or killing of animals which are decided as the targets. The activities can be in the form of fishing, bird hunting of unusual species as well as birds. However, the initiatives undertaken by the government have discouraged this form of tourism which is intended to hurt or kill wild animals (Dowling, 2000). Distinguishing Wildlife Tourism from Conventional Mass Tourism Conventional mass tourism can be classified as common products involving destination-packaged holidays and a strong reliance with regard to the developed countries for achieving the benefits of planned tourism. However, in the past decade the tourism industry suffered by a large extent due to the environmental factors, socio-cultural elements and economic problems of developing nations. Thus, the popularity of wildlife tourism increased considerably making an active contribution to the tourism industry and economy related to the developing countries. Unlike mass tourism, wildlife tourism does not provide the guarantee of spotting wild animals every time the tourists visit the national parks. Furthermore, this form of tourism attracts tourists who have special interests in watching a particular species or taking up adventure sports in wildlife settings (Lewis, 2005). Wildlife tourism is based on the principles of ecotourism which emphasises on conserving the natural habitats and protecting cultural heritage for attracting tourists to visit the local communities. Watching and observing of wild animals is a common activity involved in wildlife tourism. Statistics reveal that ‘Penguin Parade’ on Philip Island has been attracting over 425,000 tourists each year to view the penguins arriving on the beach every evening in their nesting sites. The tourists mainly gathered to watch the activities of the penguins after they arrived at their nesting sites (Tapper, 2006). However, the distinction between conventional mass tourism and wildlife tourism is observed to be diminishing as tourists are developing tendencies of involving with the activities of both the forms of tourism. Tour operators are designing packages that involve holiday packages along a beach and simultaneously watching dolphins or whales jumping in the oceans. Thus, the activities of both wildlife and conventional tourism are being undertaken by the modern tourists (Cater, 2006). Motivations of Tourists Tourists who are fascinated by wildlife tourism have been observed to be influenced to some extent by the media. Professionals are developing interest in the field of wildlife and are taking up extreme challenges for bringing forth the uniqueness of each species among the civilians through media. Thus, the curiosity created by the professionals has motivated various tourists to visit wildlife areas for comprehending the activities of the animals (Trauer, 2006). Furthermore, the adventure and thrill associated with this form of tourism plays an imperative role in motivating the tourists. In addition, government of major countries have arranged facilities to provide memorable experiences to the tourists visiting the wildlife areas. The governments of various countries evaluated the benefits of promoting tourism and therefore, undertook effective measures for the development of the economy. Traditionally, tourists who desired to sight wild animals visited the zoos where authorities took care of different animals. These animals were provided an environment related to their natural inhabitant to some extent, however with limited boundaries. Thus, tourists used to gather in front of their respective confinement areas in order to watch their activities. However, modern day tourists and management in the tourism industry collectively made possible arrangements in order to watch different species in their natural world (Tourism Australia, 2012). Moreover, the low costs involved with wildlife tourism compared to conventional tourism have influenced numerous tourists to prefer visiting wildlife areas. This has been possible due to the governments’ contribution of developing cottages and resorts in and around the natural habitats of wild animals which are provided to the tourists at a subsidised rate. Environmental change can be another factor for motivating tourists who are concerned with the influences of climatic changes. Since wildlife tourism is based on the principles of ecotourism, conservation, protection of natural heritages and cultures are few of the factors that inspire tourists to take part in wildlife tourism (Buckley, 2009). Positive and Negative Impacts of Wildlife Tourism Although, tourism existed from the ancient periods, it gained popularity in the industrial period when travelling costs reduced accompanied by paid holidays offered by organisations. The number of tourists visiting international countries has grown immensely while contributing to the development of economy across various nations. It was claimed by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) that tourism is the largest industry in the world generating huge amount of revenue for various countries. Furthermore, the tourism industry has provided millions of jobs across the world, thereby reducing the global unemployment rate. Moreover, the constant support of government and local authorities has helped in promoting the industry by a large extent. World Trade Organisation (WTO) voiced that tourism is one of the most significant social, economic, cultural and political trend that has evolved in the twentieth century (Roe, Williams & Clayton). A study revealed that around 40% of international tourists displayed interests in wildlife tourism especially in terms of watching the wild animals in their natural surroundings. In the year 2000, approximately 943,000 tourists across the world visited Kenya, thereby generating revenue of around US $304 million for the country. For Uganda and Tanzania around 610,000 tourists visited these countries, approximately generating US $888 million for the development of the economies. Thus, it can be observed that the mentioned regions received millions of international tourists and generated above US $1 billion, majority of which was earned from wildlife tourism (Tapper, 2006). Therefore, it can be stated that positive impacts of wildlife tourism relates to the development of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. It generates revenue through several processes, such as permit fees, entrance payments to the national parks, costs related to drivers, guides and other staffs who accompany tourists in the course of the wildlife tours. It further helps in promoting heritages and cultures of the nation by continuously luring numerous tourist visits from the worldwide arena. Moreover, wildlife tourism has considerably proved advantageous for conserving the wildlife areas due to the growing concerns of several tourists. Moreover, the fund generated from the wildlife tourism industry is used in protecting the wild animals from being killed (Tourism Queensland, 2012). In addition to the numerous positive impacts, certain studies have revealed the negative impacts that are being posed to the environment. The permissions granted by government of different countries for the entry of tourists in wildlife areas have triggered larger concerns regarding the protection of the wild animals. Criminal activities have increased in relation to killing animals for extracting certain body parts which are considered to be precious in the world market. For instance, elephants are killed for the tusks that are sold at higher prices in the black markets. Moreover, plants and forests are being damaged for the logs which are being used for individual purposes. The logs if legally purchased costs higher compared to illegal purchases which have a direct impact on the climatic changes. Additionally, the aspect of global warming as a result of the climatic changes has forced certain species to change their habitats and move to cooler locations. This phenomenon has adversely affected the wildlife tourism industry of those countries which received numerous tourists in the past (Roe, Williams & Clayton). Identification of Risk and Relevant Risk Minimisation Strategies Wildlife tourism involves watching the activities of wild animals in their natural habitat. While observing the activities it has been noted that tourists tend to video and capture snaps of the animals, thereby creating disturbances. Furthermore, the animals engage a considerable factor of risk from certain tourists who have the tendency of throwing certain objects that are directed towards the animals. Due to these disturbances animals may move away to remote areas where risks of getting hurt or wounded by other species are involved. Further risks can arise if communities become highly dependent on the earnings from wildlife tourism which can influence the people associated with the sector in handling the social and economic factors. Therefore, it is important to have a diverse source of income which can enable the people from mitigating the risks of reduced tourists and high reliance on wildlife tourism (World Tourism Organisation UNWTO, 2011). Competition among the private tour operators can also pose certain threats to the wild animals due to disclosure of certain areas which are house to unique species. The species of these habitats pr areas will be compelled to shift their living areas, thereby reducing the inflow of tourists to these particular countries. In addition, concerns regarding security and safety measures are also important which are associated directly with wildlife tourism. Although, modern management and technologies has limited the risks of getting wounded by the wildlife animals, there are certain areas which can pose grave threats to the lives of the tourists. Furthermore, it is known that animals are most ferocious during their breeding times. Thus, authorities should ensure that the national parks remain closed during their breeding times in order to avert the risks of endangering the lives of tourists (Page, 2012). Additionally, species that are found in water entails considerable degree of risks of being exposed due to water adventure which can prove fatal for their health systems. For instance, beaches and coasts are being explored for the development of wildlife tourism destinations which is adversely affecting the nesting areas of a few definite species. Thus, effective planning and appropriate exploitation of land is necessary for protecting the nesting areas of water species and avoid shifting of their habitat areas (Bentley, Cater & Page, 2010). Recommendations Wildlife tourism requires certain degree of support in terms of infrastructure development and providing efficient facilities. In some cases it has been observed that the aspect of controlling infrastructures lacked adequate importance from the tour operators, thereby trimming down the interests of tourists in visiting these places. Furthermore, facilities such as ‘vehicle safaris’ are being provided to the tourists entering the national parks which are affecting the plants and polluting the environment by the emissions released by the cars. Therefore, promoting safaris on animals will help to reduce the polluting impacts on the environment and further decrease the damages caused to the plants (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). Surveys conducted across the world suggested that a rapid increase is expected in wildlife tourism in the coming days. Therefore, greater pressure is expected on the existing animals and its habitats due to the escalation of the tourists’ footfall. In order to preserve the animals and its habitats, the government should take effective measures in assessing the impacts of tourism on wildlife areas. If the government determines that the impacts are increasing day by day, necessary steps should be initiated for reducing the footfall of the tourists. Furthermore, risks are associated among the communities with the increase in tourism as the local people will be burdened in providing effective services, with no additional benefits. Managing the services efficiently and supply of preferred goods will help the local people to generate a substantial income from wildlife tourism. Thus, appropriate training and skills are required to be provided to the local people in order to develop competent skills within them to function in the tourism sector. Implementation of technologies will also be an added advantage for the local communities in sharing proportionately the income, especially where many communities are associated in providing services (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). Sustainability is an important factor which can be achieved by sufficiently contributing to conservation and survival of the different species along with their natural habitats. Furthermore, benefits provided to the local communities and offering enhanced quality of services will help in promoting the tourism of that particular country. Moreover, appropriate training should be provided to the guides in order to appropriately interpret to the tourists about the distinct species which are mostly found in locations which are not accessed by general people. Thus, effective training will ensure promotion of the wildlife areas, thereby increasing the footfall of the tourists considerably (Caribbean Tourism Organisation, 2012). Conclusion The popularity of wildlife tourism has prompted serious impacts on the activities of wild animals and their habitats. Species of different types are shifting their habitats and moving on to remote areas, thereby increasing the possibilities of getting wounded by other animals. Moreover, watching wild animals in their natural surroundings has been disturbing the species and creating obstacles in their life cycle. In order to preserve the wildlife environment and its habitats the government needs to take special care in employing efficient authorities who will be responsible for assessing the impacts and implement necessary steps to eradicate those. Proper management of the wildlife areas ensures increased tourists’ footfall, hence generating higher revenues which would greatly contribute to the GDP of that particular country. In addition, this form of tourism generally attracts tourists who are adventurous by nature and possesses the potentialities to view the wild animals in their natural surroundings. Thus, security concerns may arise in terms of harms that may be caused by the animals. Therefore, tour operators should be provided with essential equipments in order to combat with the wild animals which may have the tendency to attack humans. Furthermore, the guides provided by the communities should be trained efficiently for having appropriate knowledge about the remote areas that are not permissible by the authorities. Increased competition has led to the exposure of various locations by private tour operators which have remained undiscovered earlier. Thus, probabilities of species changing their territories are immensely posing a threat to their lives, by other animals. References Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006, online, 9502.0.55.001 - Framework for Australian Tourism Statistics, 2003, viewed 11 September 2012. Bentley, T. A, Cater, C & Page, S. J 2010, ‘Adventure and Ecotourism Safety in Queensland: Operator Experiences and Practice’, Tourism Management, vol. 31, pp. 563-571. Buckley, R 2009, Adventure Tourism Management, Routledge, United Kingdom. Cater, C. I 2006, ‘Playing with Risk? Participant Perceptions of Risk and Management Implications in Adventure Tourism’, Tourism Management, vol. 27, pp. 317-325. Caribbean Tourism Organisation 2012, online, Wildlife Tourism, viewed 11 September 2012. Dowling, R 2000, ‘Environmental Tourism’, Commonwealth of Australia, pp. 283-306. Lewis, A 2005, ‘Rationalising a Tourism Curriculum for Sustainable Tourism Development in Small Island States: A Stakeholder Perspective’, Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education, vol. 4, iss. 2, pp. 4-15. Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti 2010, ‘Special Interest Tourism with Exceptional Emphasis on Istriana Region and Kolubara District’, Economic Sciences Series, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 57-66. Page, S 2012, Tourism Management, Routledge, United Kingdom. Roe, D, Williams, N. L & Clayton, B. D, 1997, online, Take Only Photographs, Leave Only Footprints: The Environmental Impacts of Wildlife Tourism, viewed 11 September 2012. Sinha, C. C 2001, online, Wildlife Tourism: A Geographical Perspective, viewed 11 September 2012. Tapper, R 2006, online, A Study on the Benefits and Risks of a Fast Growing Tourism Activity and its Impacts on Species, viewed 11 September 2012. Tourism Australia 2012, online, Adventure Journey, viewed 11 September 2012. Trauer, B 2006, ‘Conceptualising Special Interest Tourism—Frameworks for Analysis’, Tourism Management, vol. 27, pp. 183-200. Tourism Queensland 2012, online, Tourism Facts and Figures, viewed 11 September 2012. World Tourism Organisation UNWTO 2011, online, Integrating Tourism and Emergency Management, viewed 11 September 2012. Bibliography Allman, T. A, Mittelstaedt, R. D, Martin, B & Goldenberg, M 2009, ‘Exploring the Motivations of Base Jumpers: Extreme Sport Enthusiasts’, Journal of Sport & Tourism, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 229-247. Read More