Colbourne College presented by Sadeke Smith The Business of Eco-Tourism.

Colbourne Collegepresented by Sadeke Smith

The Business of Eco-Tourism

The Business of Eco Tourism

Objectives include:1. Organization of eco tourism enterprise2. Managing eco tourism product3. Interpretation and visitor management in

eco tourism Environmental impact assessment Importance of carrying capacity Visitor management techniques Ensuring visitor safety and security (TPDCo)

Revision of Eco Tourism

Eco tourism focuses on local culture, adventures,wilderness experiences, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on a vulnerable planet.

Eco tourism can be defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

Revision of Eco Tourism (Cont’d)

Responsible eco tourism includes programmes that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

In addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy -

Revision of Eco Tourism (Cont’d)

efficiency, water re-use and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of eco tourism.

Organization of eco tourism enterprise


The United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) is concerned about the impacts of tourism on the environment.

This organization has realized that after decades of sustained growth in volume and visibility, tourism is one of the leading global industries. The following points can substantiate:


It contributed 11% of global GDPIt is one of the major migratory

movements in modern society ( approx. 700 million inter’l travelers in 2001)

It produce significant impacts on resource consumption, pollution and social systems

It can be compared in its deleterious impacts and environmental risks to any other major industry.


Organizers of eco tourism enterprise must be cognizant of the need to sustain the environment in the operation of their enterprise. They should ensure that

“Conservation of the natural, cultural and man-made environment is an integral part of all tourism operation.”

Organization of eco tourism enterprise (Cont’d)

The following should be included in their objectives:

Increase the benefits tourism can bring to sustainable use of natural resources, including bio-diversity.

Reduction of tourism related degradation and pollution of natural resources, including bio-diversity.

Organization of eco tourism enterprise (cont’d)

Facilitate cross-cultural learning and environmental education.

Increasing the quality of life of the people who live in tourism destinations through poverty alleviation, employment and distribution of economic benefits, particularly in developing countries.


One of the approach of Local Agenda 21 is that the local community / operator should define a sustainable development strategy and an action programme to implement it.

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Located in and around eco-sitesDirect participants in ecotourism

enterprisesShould be involved in decision-

making processFeels the impact of ecotourism

directlyEvery effort should be made to

minimize impacts

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The tour operators should: understand and evaluate communities

before beginning ecotourism operationunderstand their objectives and

expectationsensure that objectives of eco-venture

match communities’ objectivesgain local support to ensure sustainability

of the venture

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Techniques that may be used in

community consultation MeetingsPublic attitude surveysFocus groupsWorkshops

POSSIBLE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES

loss of local traditionscommercialization of local products‘zooification’ – people become the

attractionerosion of self-worthInfighting for benefits from ventureincrease in crimeintroduction of illegal, underground

economies e.g. trading in endangered species

Adopted from UNEP/TIES, 2002

IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP

Some of the benefits of partnership are

that they assist in:Providing new information thru researchAchieving higher levels of efficiencyCreating new products, services and

value-addedImproving community awareness and

conservation of natural resources

Carins Charter on Partnership for Ecotourism

IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP

Benefits cont’dReducing risk by securing support,

investment or resourcesOpening new markets or

opportunities, by adding credibility or opening new channels

Enabling success that normally could not be achieved.

Carins Charter on Partnership for Ecotourism



The necessary research should be done in the following areas, prior to venturing on any eco-tourism enterprise:

Economic benefit to the stakeholdersCultural benefits to locals and visitorsEnvironmental management and planning

benefits (Which agencies are to be contacted?)

Infra-structure cost


Price increase / effects of inflationEconomic dependency on tourismSeasonal characteristics of the interprise

Managing Eco Tourism Product


Increasing evidence shows that an integrated approach to tourism planning and management is now required in order to achieve sustainable tourism.

In order to limit the environmental impacts, management of the tourism destination is critical and includes the following:


Land use planningBusiness permits and zoning controlsEnvironmental and other regulationsBusiness association initiatives (providers of

transportation, restaurants, equipment rental etc)

Other techniques that can shape the development and daily operation of tourism related activities.

rosemaries

providers of transportation, hoteliers, restaurants, equipment rentals,attraction association

Managing Eco Tourism Product (cont’d)

Today’s tourists are more educationally aware and take time out to conduct research on prospective tourism destination. They are aware of:

1. International standards in tourism business

2. Good customers service

3. Competition among tourism service providers

4. Pricing techniques

5. Regulations for the operation of tourism enterprise etc.


Since the introduction of Agenda 21, the hospitality sector has adopted numerous strategies, approaches and measures in response to the challenge of sustainable development. These include:

Environmental management systems and tools (used in many hotels for both environmental and economical reasons)EMS help business to evaluate, manage and reduce their

negative environmental impacts by providing a method of integrating environmental management into business operations in a systematic manner.)

Education, awareness creation, training and information dissemination.


Voluntary initiativesMulti-stakeholder communication and

consultationEnvironmental reporting


Basic StrategiesIndustry and Technology

Increase tourism industry accountability and support for the environment and for its stewards.

Work with leading companies investing and operating in tourism to create and disseminate best environmental practices and technologies - including active promotion of voluntary initiatives.


Impact on Sensitive Areas Support the development of tools for protected area

managers to use as a source of financing, while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

Support the development and dissemination of best practices to optimize tourism impacts on sensitive environments.


Destination Planning and ManagementBuild Government capacity at all levels to integrate

sustainable management of natural resources into public and corporate tourism policies.

Promote participatory planning policies for destinations, ensuring inclusion of environment-minded stakeholders.

Promote implementation of existing multi-lateral agreements on sustainable tourism to national and local governments.

Encourage the development and financing agents to adopt environmental sustainability as a prime criterion for project support.


Awareness Building Increase awareness of environmental issues in all

tourism stakeholders.Build on increased awareness of and sensitivity towards,

social and environmental issues to change tourism consumption patterns toward more sustainable paths.

Government and Policy Support

Government and Policy Support

Governments are key players due to the regulatory roles in transport, communications and its influence on tourism estate planning, such as major tourism hubs, infrastructure, credit/financing (concession) and destination managing/marketing. E.g. The MTEC is responsible for Tourism policies in Jamaica.

Non-Government Organization

THE PRIVATE SECTOR

THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Characteristics:Functions as the engine of growth

for the industryBusiness may be large scale or

small businesses with specialized focus

High rate of failure for small businesses esp. Canada and Australia

THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Reasons for failure esp. small businesses:

Offering narrowly specialised tours without considering seasonality

Having limited experience operating a business

Not understanding distribution system involved

THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Other reasons:Focusing on emotions rather

than profit (Operators might have a passion for nature)

Few barriers to entry – fierce competition (In Black River, there are 3 nature attractions in the same

location)

Very small client baseHigh operating costsLimited financial resources

Visitor Management in Eco Tourism

Visitor management in eco tourism

The natural and cultural features of an environment such as landscape, flora, fauna, cultural festivals and historical monuments can be significantly compromised if the tourism activities planned are not geared towards enhancing the environment.


"Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy, study and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features that promote conservation, have a negative visitation impact and provide for substantial beneficial active socioeconomic involvement of local populations." – Hector Ceballos-Lascurian, (2004) International Consultancy on Ecotourism

Do you agree with this statement?


There are certain guidelines eco-tour operators and nature guides go by to develop and maintain a sustainable ecotourism business.

Link commercial tourism to local conservation programs.

Develop sustainable tourist facilities that minimize environmental damage.

Help repair the damage done by others.


Provide money and other tangible support for developing parks' services and managing natural resources.

Promote ecological research and rescue programs.

Arrange and promote meaningful contact between tourists and local people.

Support indigenous people/businesses by buying local goods and services.


General Guidelines for tours of natural areas:Stay on trailsReduce, re-use, recyclePut wastes where they belong – in a binLearn about the flora and fauna in the area you

are visitingLeave plants, animals, rocks,logs etc. aloneWherever you can, walk, skate or bike and leave

your vehicle turned off.


General Guidelines for tours of natural areas:Follow directions given by signs and tour guidesTry to visit the park in their off seasonSupport park, forest and preservesBe a good example for others: spread the word

about responsible eco-tourism

Local Eco-tourism Locations

Green Grotto CavesTwo Sisters CavesSafaris in St. ElizabethDunn’s River FallsBlue and John Crow

MountainsYS FallsRio GrandeRock Fort Mineral BathBath St. ThomasMilk River Bath

Doctors’ CaveGlistening WaterCockpit CountryEnchanted GardenFern GullyHolland BambooNon Such CavesHope Botanical GardensPort Royal – Fort CharlesScuba diving areasGlass bottom boat tour

zone

Carrying Capacity

Carrying Capacity

(WTO) proposes the following definition of the carrying capacity «The maximum number of people that may visit a tourist destination at the same time, without causing destruction of the physical, economic, socio-cultural environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors' satisfaction. » (UNEP/MAP/PAP, 1997).

Practical Calculation

What is the maximum number of persons that this room can accommodate without negatively affecting the A/C, personal space and individual’s health etc.?

What is the carrying capacity for a Toyota Hiace Vs. a Toyota Coaster?

Why is the carrying capacity so important and what is likely to happened if it is breached?

Discussion

1. What are the positive and negative effects of Ocho Rios being a Tourism focused area?

2. Does Dunn’s River have a carrying capacity? Give reasons for your answer.

Conclusion

Sound environmental management of tourism facilities can decrease the environmental effect of tourism.

Planning helps to make choices between the conflicting interests of industry and tourism, in order to find ways to make them compatible.

Conclusion

By planning early for tourism development, damage and expensive mistakes can be prevented, thereby avoiding the gradual deterioration of environmental assets significant to tourism. It is important to liaise with the following agencies prior to developing an eco tourism enterprise:

Conclusion

TPDCo has the mandate to ensure that eco tourism entities safeguard patrons by providing optimum customer service by a highly trained staff in a safe and secure environment.

TPDCo provides prerequisites for operation of eco tourism entities and conduct six monthly to annual quality assurance assessments to ensure that these qualities are consistently adhered to.

Conclusion: Prerequisites for Nature Attraction License

Proof of permission to occupy locationPublic Liability insuranceTax Registration NumberCertificate of incorporationAdequate food preparation area if restaurant is

provided.Food Handlers’ Permit and Public Health

Certificate (where applicable)First Aid SuppliesFire safety devices

Conclusion: Prerequisites for Nature Attraction License

Adequate toilet facilitiesProper security arrangementsPerimeter lightingCommunication systemPrinted brochuresPrinted ratesIn-depth inspection by TPDCo

Conclusion (cont’d)Regulatory Agencies

1. National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA)

2. Scientific Research Council (SRC)

3. Ministry of Health / Public Health Department

4. Jamaica Fire Brigade

5. Local Parish Council

6. National Solid Waste Management Authority

7. National Works Agency

8. Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment & Culture and its agencies

Conclusion (cont’d)Legislative Mandates

The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act;

The Town and Country Planning Act; The Land Development and Utilization

Act; The Beach Control Act; The Watershed Protection Act; and The Wildlife Protection Act

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRAVEL AGENTSTEN COMMANDMENTS ON ECO-TOURISM

1. Respect the frailty of the earth. Realize that unless all are willing to help in its preservation, unique and beautiful destinations may not be here for future generations to enjoy.

2. Leave only footprints. Take only photographs. No graffiti! No litter! Do not take away souvenirs from historical sites and natural areas.

3. To make your travels more meaningful, educate yourself about the geography, customs, manners and cultures of the region you visit. Take time to listen to the people. Encourage local conservation efforts.

4. Respect the privacy and dignity of others. Inquire before photographing people.


5. Do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as ivory, tortoise shell, animal skins, and feathers. Read Know Before You Go, the U. S. Customs list of products which cannot be imported.

6. Always follow designated trails. Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats.

7. Learn about and support conservation-oriented programs and organizations working to preserve the environment.

8. Whenever possible, walk or use environmentally-sound methods of transportation. Encourage drivers of public vehicles to stop engines when parked.


9. Patronize those (hotels, airlines, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and suppliers) who advance energy and environmental conservation; water and air quality; recycling; safe management of waste and toxic materials; noise abatement, community involvement; and which provide experienced, well-trained staff dedicated to strong principles of conservation.

10. Encourage organizations to subscribe to environmental guidelines. ASTA urges organizations to adopt their own environmental codes to cover special sties and ecosystems.

Travel is a natural right of all people and is a crucial ingredient of world peace and understanding. With that right comes responsibilities. ASTA encourages the growth of peaceful tourism and environmentally responsible travel.

Reference

The World Ecotourism Summit,(2002).Effective Partnerships for Ecotourism

Hector Ceballos-Lascurian, (2004) International Consultancy on Ecotourism

Carins Charter on Partnership for Ecotourism, (2006)

(http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/eco-tour.html).

Colbourne College presented by Sadeke Smith The Business of Eco-Tourism.

Documents

eco tourism contdefficiency

impacts of tourism

benefits tourism

tourism destinations

tourism operation

natural environment

local culture

manmade environment