Wildlife Tourism - Scottish Dolphin Centre - Assignment Example

? Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bey, Moray Introduction The most important aspect of the of wildlife and marine tourism is that the major purpose of a trip must always to see, enjoy or even study wildlife. Wildlife tourism has been regarded as a way of securing benefits of sustainable economy whereas supporting the conservation of wildlife and the local communities. But the question is how well this can be achieved the things that should be done to accomplish the vision. Tourism that is done on the basis of visitors engaging with the wild animals is substantially attracting more interests from different governments, researchers and the industry of tourism. There is diversity in the types of experiences. Whereas the only aspect that that all of the tourism experiences or products share is their inclusion of the element of wildlife, discussion and the labelling of the wildlife tourism, as a separate class of tourism turning out to be more and more common (ARLUKE, and SANDERS, 1996). The development of wildlife and marine tourism has been as a response to the increasing number of the individuals who seek to combine the efforts of conservation with their time offs or retreats. In the last few decades, there has been a rising demand for tourism which is inclusive of the features of the natural environment and really promotes but not destroying the natural environment (BATTEN, 2009). Marine and tourism has some aspects and one such aspect is making sure that this kind of tourism an actual interaction with the nature is encouraged whereas championing the efforts of conservation in the region. This puts the consumer in a better position of accomplishing their desired vacation experience whereas the natural environment is not interfered with at all as it continues to flourish. This kind of tourism actually draws inferences from various areas that are outside of the sector of tourism. Bringing the ideas or concepts of the various areas of research is what gives a good experience of wildlife tourist. Wild Scotland is among the most fundamental agencies or departments for the Scottish wildlife and marine tourism (WEAVER, 2007). The Wild Scotland is a none-profit making organization that offers the tourists the opportunities of getting involved with the wildlife together with activity holidays with the experts in the area. The organization was established in the year 2003, and then came to incorporate the Activity Scotland in the year 2011. Since the incorporation, it now includes all of the responsible nature tourism present in the country. According to the organization, they have an understanding of nature tourism as a commercial undertaking that should be well taken care of; that is environmentally, economically as well as ecologically to continue being in a position of providing future nature tourism in the country (WILKERSON, 2009). This is also same with some other organizations that are concerned with matters wildlife and marine tourism worldwide. One of the countries that lead in the provision of marine and wildlife tourism is Australia. This is particularly true because the country has some exceptional species that cannot be found easily anywhere else in the world (VEAL, 2006). However, what make the nature tourism to be successful in the country is the efforts made by the government, good and proper conservation and marketing. There are some parks in the country that keep the highly rare and species that are endangered, and these are in high demand by the tourists who travel from different parts of the world just to come and see (HENNING, 2009). This implies that these species are given the best possible care, thus giving the tourists the chance of being able to view something very unique that they cannot find easily in their countries or any other parts of the world. This is something that the tourism industry of Scotland can actually learn for the purposes of future development of the industry. This can really be done by putting a lot of stress on the fact that the Moray Firth together with some other marine areas in Scotland are the most appropriate places that the whales and dolphins can be seen in the whole of the United Kingdom (EHRENFELD, 2008). It is beyond reasonable doubt that when the clients are offered something that is very special and exceptional, they will tend to come back even more and with their friends or even encourage some other people to come there and see for themselves, thus generating a lot of revenue for the country and this can be a good development for the industry (BUTLER, MICHAEL, and JOHN, 2005). The Wildlife Tourism Australia, which is a tourism organization in Australia, that deals with the welfare and management of marine and wildlife in the country can serve as a good point of reference for Scotland and many other countries that might be willing to see that their sectors of wildlife and marine tourism are expanded to great depths. The major role that is played by this organization is being the intermediary between tourism and the region’s protection or conservation (WEIDNER, 2009). In addition, the organization ensures that the donations to the wildlife parks that might ease or enhance the efforts of conservation are encouraged. Particularly, this might be very fundamental in the development in future, by the use of some of the funds that are generated from the marine and wildlife tourism to enhance the local environment’s protection. This is perhaps a direction that would assist in the improvement or dealing with some of the difficulties resulting from the expansion of the industry of tourism in such critical areas of conservation (ROSE, 1979). Again, it would be a point of selling to the potential clients or tourists who wish to ensure that they appreciate the environment. The wildlife and marine tourism’s social, environmental and economic values that Scotland can gain from this specialist’s tourism development There is a considerable or substantial amount of value that the sector of wildlife and tourism holds for the country. The wildlife tourism yearly generates a net economic impact of about sixty five million pounds to the economy of Scotland and also creating an equivalent of two thousand, seven hundred and sixty full time employments. Tourism is critical to the economic recovery of Scotland. Being one of the leading all-year wildlife destinations in Europe with a world popular standing for natural heritage, the country has a great deal of goodies to offer. Whether the visitors are watching the whales in the Minch from a boat, or even seeing puffins, they apparently hold the interesting and attractive wildlife and landscape of Scotland in high esteem (FLORIDA, 2005). Wildlife tourism is becoming more popular, as it brings about substantial benefits for the communities at the coast and the economy. With this noted, it is important to make sure that the marine environment is highly protected for the future. The Marine Act of Scotland provided enhanced conservation for the wildlife and will assist in the delivering of economic development for the major sectors of business (BATCHELER, 2006). The planning of marine will make sure that there is a proper balance between the growth, conservation and recreation. The Marine Protected Areas also helps in the protection of the environment of marine, which include the unique species and habitats that visitors come to view. Scotland is one region of the world that is lucky to have several features together with attractive natural landscape that are unique in their own way. This has put the country at a good position of offering a lot to the tourists who want to put their investments in these kinds of landscape. The industry of marine and wildlife has seen a substantial growth over the last few decades, thus Scotland is likely to flourish economically following this steady growth if actually there are good and proper measures employed to make sure that there is good development of the area or industry (BURNS, and ANDREW, 1999). Furthermore, since it is a specialist tourism, we find that it is easy market the region as being stupendous in this field, and thus to begin the dominance of the market if actually good measures are employed. In order to succeed in doing this, it might be important to ensure that there is the involvement of the measures that help in enhancing the wildlife and marine features that can be found only in the country, like the exceptional landscape and species found in the region (AU, and GREEN, 2000). In addition, this kind of tourism has a potential environmental importance. If the nation’s economies start depending exclusively on the tourism of marine and wildlife, then there will be no option other than protecting the aspects of the natural landscape that are critical to this type of business. This has an implication that the efforts of conservation will he enhanced so as to preserve the environment sufficiently and properly (EDGELL, 2006). Moreover, many tourists that find this kind of specialist tourism enjoyable can never hesitate in matters ecology and conservation, and consequently section of the industry could have a great focus on the natural environmental conservation. When these elements work together, they could be very critical to the ecology of Scotland since there are dual forces that exert pressure on the sector to keep on maintaining the environmental standard’s care (BLAMEY, 2009). It is apparent that there are difficulties with pressurizing the natural environment to be able to sustain tourist, especially for the environment (JENNINGS, 2006). Those who are in charge of such tourism’s management should make sure that the environment’s value is maintained despite the huge number of visitors coming to the region to see the unique features. Wildlife and marine tourism’s overgrowth could be destructive to the surrounding which it intends to preserve or conserve (SAVITZ, 2006). This is mainly possible if the sector’s development needs additional accommodation together with activity buildings to be established to as to be able to sustain the increasing number of visitors that are coming to the region. Architectural development needs land which might have initially been the natural environment’s integral part. However, it is not only this but also the sites of buildings are usually very destructive to the natural environment in an extensive region than they encompassed by themselves, meaning that a lot of care should be taken for the purposes of ensuring that the development of the industry of tourism is good for the areas of land and marine in which they are found (BIG VOLCANO, 2001). Nonetheless, the effect that social value brought about by the marine and wildlife tourism sector could have on the country is quite difficult to describe. If there is an economic value that comes with the natural environment, then it is true that there might be more of a social need for its protection. This actually could imply that there is much stress on how the natural environment is handled or dealt with. There might be more pressure from the social stand point for the projects of conservation which plays a very critical role in the protection of this resource (BEACH, and WEINRICH, 2008). Rising interest by various individuals and stakeholders in the natural environment could force some of them to become engaged with the natural environment more socially, probably by the cultivation of an educational interest in the conservation biology or even behavioural ecology. Moreover, there could me additional social pride in the domestic or local marine and wildlife landscapes due to their significance as part of the industry of tourism. It is apparent that economic, environmental and social significance of region’s marine and wildlife tourism are all depending on each other, with shifts in one significance or value having a direct and perhaps immediate impact on another (ADAMS, and GEIS, 2006). The management of developments in Scotland and safeguards that should be employed or the holistic approach’s requirements to the management of development; particularly the tensions existing between the balancing of economic development and the practices of sustainable tourism             It is clear that the industry of wildlife and marine tourism in the country should be managed so as to make sure that there is expansion in the market to its maximum or as expected. The most important thing is perhaps ensuring the industry is having very little or no effects on the natural environment (ANDREWS, 2004). The impasse in the management of the sustainable tourism and economic development is something that has elicited much discussion in the literature as brings about a problem in all the areas of tourism, even though it is probably more essential in an industry that has much of its dependence on sustainability for successes in future (ALTINAY and PARASKEVAS, 2008). This dilemma implies that the leadership of the wildlife and marine tourism in the country should involve several various elements for ensuring that the industry’s evolution is safe but in a way that is beneficial economically, meaning that there should be protections and restrictions employed in the industry (CURTIN, 2009). The best possible course of action that should be taken would be the placement of much of the management of the industry into the hands of the government. Consequently, the government could put the regulations and laws concerning the kind of activities of tourism that can take place in some areas (MARCOUILLER, 1997). A good case in instance of this taking place can be seen in the government of Botswana, which plays a big role in subsidizing and management of the activities of tourism within the state. It appears like this has been very successful or fruitful since the country has experienced a significant rise or growth in the industry of tourism since the government assumed more control over the running of the affairs of the industry. In addition, this shows that the placement of regulations on the activities of tourism might have a negative effect on the marine and wildlife tourism’s economics (KRAS, 2009).           The engagement by the government could also assist in demonstrating a practice’s private operator code. The government, in the United Kingdom, characteristically has a high engagement with the natural environment, specifically in the areas of marine. This is normally with the intention of ensuring that the important shellfish and fish stocks are well maintained, like those that are found in the region of Morecambe Bay (ASHLEY, 2004). However, in these areas, we find that the private sectors are able to exist in a free manner as long as they adhere to the codes of practice that are employed for the purposes of conserving the natural environment together with the region’s economic value. Nevertheless, this would be very important for an approach of the country to the wildlife and marine tourism as it would give freedom to the companies that deal in the industry of tourism within some limits that sustained a balance between sustainability and economic growth (BATTEN and STANCIl, 2005). Conservation measures that could be employed to preserve the natural environment have to involve the restrictions on the activities of building in the region. One of the mainly perceived parts of economic development comes from the sites of constructions and rise in habitation (CURTIN, 2010). It is apparent that it will be necessary to have some expansion enable growth and development in the region, however, restrictions on the buildings’ heights as well as the amounts of space of land that can be occupied or covered by them would be important in the conservation of the species and their surroundings. Activities of tourism could as well be limited at the times of critical seasons, like the season of nesting, which would greatly assist in the prevention of interference on the significant species and reduce the impacts of human beings on the region (BOWEN, and BOWEN, 2011).             Basically, a good response or answer to the country’s marine and wildlife tourism should be a holistic one. It should enhance development for this niche industry so that it can become a reliable source of economic activity; however, it should also ensure that the environment that benefits it is well taken care of. In order to do this well, there should be some restrictions the way the operations are managed (EDWARDS, 2005). Having some involvement by the government is perhaps the best manner of doing this as it can render some actions unlawful, which appears to be more dangerous than the breaking of the code of a non-profit making organization. This involvement by the government can be supported by the efforts of the organizations that are involved in the industry of marine and wildlife tourism and some other agencies that have interest in protecting the regions, which would assist in the maximization of the sustainability of such activities of the industry during their growth or expansion (BURGER, 2005). Marketing issues and developments as well as recommendations as to how the WDCS can reach and engage with the 18-25 age group             Probably the most critical part of the development of the area’s marine and wildlife should be making sure that the protection of the environment of wildlife and marine is guaranteed. This is to be in tandem with some significant laws of environment in the United Kingdom, and also to make sure that the region, which is pulling the tourists towards the area remains in a position to continue being at attraction for many years in future (DAVID, 2007). Growth or development in the region, specifically in the area of the coastline should be maintained at a level that can be sustained, even though development will be required if there are plans of making the country to be one of the greatest and popular tourists destination in the world. Moreover, it will be essential for this growth to adhere to the laws and regulations of the United Kingdom (KUMMER, 2008).             What makes the country to be one of the most attractive destinations of tourists that any other place in the world is that it hosts several large dolphins and whales. This implies that the marine and wildlife is going to be especially essential to visitors, as they will make their way into the country to search for interactions and engagement with the animals that are hard to find. Any operator of wildlife tourism should be very wise such that they are able to make use of this aspect of the industry, with promotion being targeted at any individual who wish to experience the spotting of dolphins and whales whereas on holiday (FRIEDMAN, 2008). There should also be development of special accommodation so as to adequately capitalize on the region’s potential, specifically the coastal region to enable tourists to have sufficient interactions or engagements with the animals. In addition, it would be proper to provide professional boat trips, even though these should be limited only to the season of breeding to make sure that the dolphins and whales are at peace and not interfered with during this critical and defining moment (MARCOUILLER, 2006). The Chanonry Point that is found in the area of Moray Firth is common for being among the best places in the United Kingdom for seeing a bottlenose dolphin. This actually implies that the region already has a large amount of potential for the industry of marine and wildlife tourism. Many marketing and promotional strategies could be applied in ensuring that the region retains its attractive nature and also making sure that all those who love wildlife are aware that the Chanonry Point is critical for the marine ecology of the United Kingdom. This is important specifically because the centres of the visitors in this area are under the management of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. When the stakeholders cooperate with the society, it would imply that the region’s preservation in a way that is the best for the natural surrounding could be accomplished whereas also turning it out to be an attraction for tourists (VULETICH, and FAIRGRAY, 2000). Another significant one is the Inner Moray Firth, since it includes a Special Area of Protection and a Special Conservation Area. This is important as it can be used for the purposes of the promotion of tourism in the region, even though special care should be taken so as to make sure that proper action is taken for ensuring that the operators are kept within the limits of should or can be done to the areas that are designated. More so, tourist provisions’ development should be well kept away from these regions to make sure that the wildlife is fully protected (BUCKLEY, 2003).            What would make it proper for the involvement or engagement of the visitors with the natural surrounding without causing destructions would providing conservation holidays, which as a consequence would enable them to be involved in the work continuing in these regions. A good point of marketing could be the stressing of the fact that the region has special species within the country, and tied into the spotting of whale and dolphin mentioned before (PINK, 2005). 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