Abstract
Communication of conservation messages in an ecotourism setting
Proceedings of the 2006 University Research Conference, p.10
University Research Conference: Research Impact: Benefiting Society, 2006 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 08-Nov-2006)
2006
Abstract
This paper reports on a project that assessed the factors that impacted on whale watching visitors receiving a conservation message. By assessing visitor demographics, personal attributes and attitudes, the influence of the tour, and the whale interaction, ie the up close viewing, this research has the potential to inform improvement in ecotourism operations to advance ecotourism's aim of sustainability through conservation of the resource. Using a mixed methods research approach this study examined the role of the management agency (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service). the tour operator and the tour guide, to understand what and how conservation messages, if any, were communicated to whalewatching visitors in Hervey Bay in the 2005 whale-watching season. Over fifteen hundred visitors completed surveys that assessed the messages they received and the factors that influenced these messages. Results indicated that many whale-watching visitors were already whale and conservation aware. Results showed that of those considered, only four factors were related to the visitor receiving a conservation message. Three of these were specifically influenced by the experience of the tour and through the communication and interaction of the tour guide with visitors on the boat The remaining factor was related to a visitor demographic-age.
Details
- Title
- Communication of conservation messages in an ecotourism setting
- Authors
- Sheila Peake (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- Proceedings of the 2006 University Research Conference, p.10
- Conference details
- University Research Conference: Research Impact: Benefiting Society, 2006 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 08-Nov-2006)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2006
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of Research
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449137202621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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