| |
Abstract |
Human-wildlife interactions in the context of tourism have received significant attention in the academic literature. However, non-consumptive wildlife watching tourism taking place in animals natural habitats has received less attention than hunting and fishing tourism and human interactions with captive wildlife. Meanwhile, increasing global pressure to visit remote places with unique fauna requires an improved focus on wildlife viewing tourism in animals natural habitat. Tourisms interest in exotic and endangered species is growing and poses a considerable challenge, particularly evident in the Arctic. Polar bear tourism exemplifies the paradox where a vulnerable species is synonymous with both attractive tourism experiences as well as being a symbol of climate change (Lemelin & Dyck, 2008). Also, the demand for close interactions with wildlife has been stimulated and reinforced by marketing and behavioral trends, which poses new challenges to the niche. Therefore, wildlife destinations must strive for comprehensive and interdisciplinary management strategies taking into account both conservation and animal welfare concerns (Winter, 2020). |
|
