Walia Special Edition on the Bale Mountains (2011) - Zoologische ...

however continues to rise and in 1999 it became the industry that had the highest value of export goods
and services worldwide, exceeding that of other industries such as automotive products, chemicals,
and computer and office equipment (WTO 2001). In 49 of the least developed countries, tourism
accounts for more than 50% of the GDP. In 1989 Africa had 13.8 million arrivals and US$4.5 billion
receipts; in 1998 this increased to 24.9 million arrivals and US$9.6 billion receipts (WTO 2001).
Tourism can also generate local tax revenues, open new foreign exchange markets and diversify
local economies through employment and the creation of small business opportunities (Eagles et
al. 2002). As a result, tourism development is usually accompanied by improved infrastructure,
telecommunications and other public utilities which can lead to improved living conditions for local
people (Neto 2002). Further, in developing countries it is one of the few sectors that often provide
employment opportunities for women and unskilled workers, thus contributing to the empowerment
of women and poverty alleviation (Neto 2002). Incurring all these benefits, however, depends on the
levels of tourism which, in turn, can depend on a number of factors.
Countries to visit can vary in popularity according to tastes, political instability, natural
disasters and, importantly, the extent of tourism is largely dependant on global economic stability.
This can make it a volatile industry and, thus, high risk for countries whose economy places a high
dependency on the tourist industry. Nonetheless, tourism is often identified as the most promising
industry for the economic development of less developed countries (Eagles et al. 2002).
Tourism in Protected Areas
Eco-tourism is fast becoming a popular form of tourism world-wide. As the average global literacy
and education levels rise so does the demand for appreciative (nature or cultural), experience and
learning tourism (Eagles et. al. 2002). In addition, there is growing concern about social injustices
and environmental protection and tourists are becoming more aware of the necessity for low impact
and culturally/environmentally sensitive tourism and often want to support local conservation or
community development initiatives (Eagles et. al. 2002).
Eco-tourism can be defined as “……a sustainable form of natural resource-based tourism
that focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature; and which is ethically managed
to be low-impact, non-consumptive, and locally oriented (control, benefits, and scale). It typically
occurs in natural areas and should contribute to the conservation or preservation of such areas”
(Fennell 1999). This definition of eco-tourism suggests that protected areas can be key players in
developing this industry. In the IUCN categories of Protected Areas, tourism and recreation are
likely to be key management objectives in all categories except 1a (strict nature reserve). In Costa
Rica for example, more than 25% of the country is covered by national parks, wildlife refuges
and biological reserves and in 1999 the country had 1.03 million tourists of which 66% visited a
protected area. With tourist receipts for the country currently reaching above US$1billion, national
parks are now a critical component of its eco-tourism industry (Brown 2001).
Eco-tourism can also play an important role in the conservation of protected areas by, for
<strong>Walia</strong>-<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Edition</strong> on the Bale Mountains 283