Wildlife tourism is a significant sector, accounting for up to 40% of the whole tourist industry’s net value. On the other hand, this type of tourism might have a negative influence on animal populations and ecosystems. People who snap selfies with sedated tigers or ride tortured elephants contribute to the unsustainable tourist loop. Their acts contribute to the funding of animal brutality, enslavement, and extinction.
Many other wildlife tourism attractions, on the other hand, actively try to safeguard animals and their environments. These groups alter wildlife tourism, and the future of animals everywhere, for the better by allowing travellers to see these creatures in their natural habitats.
Raise Awareness
Many individuals discover ecotourism destinations through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Friends’ photos of elephants and tigers inspire them to visit such regions and do the same.
These hands-on experiences, on the other hand, aren’t always animal-friendly. Furthermore, they aggravate the issue of wildlife brutality and confinement. As more individuals travel to pursue picture opportunities, they subsidise unsustainable wildlife tourism, both deliberately and unknowingly.
However, if more people visit and engage in healthy, animal-friendly ecotourism, these new photographs will eventually supplant those that feature unsustainable attractions. This approach promotes public awareness by presenting a comprehensive view of wildlife concerns and how individuals can play an important part in their preservation.
Helps Fund Conservation Efforts
Wildlife tourism, such as Montague Island tours, also aids the development of poor communities by providing a stable source of money and employment. Sustainable wildlife tourism benefits individuals and the local economy and helps to support conservation activities.
This grant enables them to provide elephant sanctuary, conserve endangered species, monitor wildlife, and increase local animal populations. This money also helps them train and raise community leaders who will strive to protect local wildlife for many years to come.
Educate Tourists
More than 31,000 species are on the verge of extinction, and between two and twenty species perish every day. Many visitors are unaware of the alarming loss of biodiversity. This is mostly because many of these species are found halfway around the globe.
People must see and experience these endangered species and their habitats to understand and care for them. This is when ecotourism enters the picture.
Tourists may raise their knowledge of the need for conservation and learn how to help by traveling to and viewing animals’ natural habitats. Furthermore, they will return home and share their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm with others.