Latinka Topalova-Rzerzycha, Varna, 20-22 April

1. Nature interpretation and sustainable tourism. Visitor Management strategies. Marketing based on interpretation. Latinka Topalova-Rzerzycha, Varna, 20-22 April

2. Nature in tourism • Nature-based tourism involves experiencingnatural places, typicallythrough outdoor activities that are sustainable in terms of their impact on theenvironment.

21. Ecotourism (1) • “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features — both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations.” - IUCN

22. Ecotourism (2) • “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.” • - Ecotourism Society's definition

23. Ecotourism (3) • (a) based upon relatively undisturbed natural areas; • (b) non-damaging, non-degrading; • (c) a direct contributor to the continued protection and management of theareas used; and • (d) subject to an adequate and appropriate management regime.

24. Adventure tourism (soft) • It requires a moderate level of physicalinvolvement byparticipants and are less physically challenging than hard activities. They can include –hiking/bushwalking, mountain biking/bicycling, camping, horseback riding, orienteering,walking tours, wildlife spotting, whale watching, river and lake canoeing and fishing.

27. Adventure tourism (hard) • It involves a higher level of physical or ruggedinvolvement or a potentially greater personal challenge for participants. The risk factor canalso increase. Hard adventure activities witha nature basis or need include – caving, scubadiving, trekking, white water rafting,kayaking, rock and mountain climbing, cross-countryskiing, safaris, surfing, windsurfing, ballooning and ocean sailing.

30. Special interest tourism • Nature-based tourism and its various subsets can also encompass some particularlychallenging, but potentially high spending, special interest market segments. These oftencomprise socially and environmentally aware, highlyeducated and potentially demandingvisitors who travel both to learn and toachieve personal and social goals.

32. Wildlife tourism • It involves travel to observe wildlife in natural environments and preferablytheir native habitat. It is a further subset of naturetourism and one in which significantlyhigh levels of domestic and international interest exist. Wildlife tourism involves wild andnon domesticated animals and can encompass free-ranging and captive circumstances.

42. IS NATURE-BASED TOURISM SUSTAINABLE?

43. Sustainable tourism • “leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems” • - WTO

44. Visitor Management strategies

45. Direct Visitor Management strategies • Physical (barriers, paths, boardwalks, location of facilities). • Regulatory (rules, regulations, permits) • Economic (incentives, charges).

48. Indirect Visitor Management strategies • Education • Interpretation • Indirect mechanisms which seek to reduce inappropriate behaviour ona voluntary basis through education.

49. Interpretation-based Management Strategies • A ‘win-win’ situation for environmentalmanagers and tourists. • Help to protect the environment. • Increase visitor enjoyment. • Widely applied in protected areas.