<p>Large mammals - especially tigers – were the most preferred view by Indian tourists, followed by landscapes, birds, and small-and medium-sized mammals.</p>.<p>A recent research study examined the viewing preferences of 516 tourists visiting three popular (more than one lakh tourists per year) national parks in India: Bandipur (Karnataka), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh) and Sundarbans (West Bengal).</p>.<p>The study was carried out by the Centre for Wildlife Studies in 2021 between the first and second waves of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>.<p>A team of scientists led by Dincy Mariyam, Dr Sreedhar Vijayakrishnan and Dr Krithi K. Karanth, have published a new study that understands the tourists’ preferences as a significant factor to improve existing models and develop new models of nature-based tourism. </p>.<p>The comprehend study was published in the journal, Tourism Recreation Research.</p>.<p>The study suggests that, in addition to wildlife, many more factors come into play when tourists select a park. For instance, tourists cited the convenience of travel as a reason for their choice.</p>.<p>The lead author of the study, Mariyam, explains, “People would have chosen to go to locations nearer to their homes once the pandemic initial wave subsided but with a few restrictions still in place. The alternative explanation to consider would be to investigate the impact of infrastructure and park accessibility. Tourists are able to visit more places during a single trip, as several Indian park networks are well connected by roads.”</p>.<p>The authors suggest that parks that attract a large number of domestic tourists and first-timers can seize the opportunity to draw attention to lesser-known wildlife. This could be achieved by providing tourists with the opportunity to participate in conservation-related activities such as volunteering in a conservation project and providing financial and in-kind support.</p>.<p>Recreational experiences can be diversified through well-curated and engaging information centres, nature walks with trained naturalists/guides and supporting local art and culture. “Tourism provides a huge opportunity to engage the wider public, and create new livelihood opportunities for people living close to wildlife. We need to develop a wider diversity of visitor experiences to make this fun and cater to a multitude of interests beyond tigers,” says Dr Karanth.</p>.<p>The study was supported by Rufford Foundation, IDEA Wild, Indian Council for Social Science Research and the Centre for Wildlife Studies.</p>
<p>Large mammals - especially tigers – were the most preferred view by Indian tourists, followed by landscapes, birds, and small-and medium-sized mammals.</p>.<p>A recent research study examined the viewing preferences of 516 tourists visiting three popular (more than one lakh tourists per year) national parks in India: Bandipur (Karnataka), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh) and Sundarbans (West Bengal).</p>.<p>The study was carried out by the Centre for Wildlife Studies in 2021 between the first and second waves of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>.<p>A team of scientists led by Dincy Mariyam, Dr Sreedhar Vijayakrishnan and Dr Krithi K. Karanth, have published a new study that understands the tourists’ preferences as a significant factor to improve existing models and develop new models of nature-based tourism. </p>.<p>The comprehend study was published in the journal, Tourism Recreation Research.</p>.<p>The study suggests that, in addition to wildlife, many more factors come into play when tourists select a park. For instance, tourists cited the convenience of travel as a reason for their choice.</p>.<p>The lead author of the study, Mariyam, explains, “People would have chosen to go to locations nearer to their homes once the pandemic initial wave subsided but with a few restrictions still in place. The alternative explanation to consider would be to investigate the impact of infrastructure and park accessibility. Tourists are able to visit more places during a single trip, as several Indian park networks are well connected by roads.”</p>.<p>The authors suggest that parks that attract a large number of domestic tourists and first-timers can seize the opportunity to draw attention to lesser-known wildlife. This could be achieved by providing tourists with the opportunity to participate in conservation-related activities such as volunteering in a conservation project and providing financial and in-kind support.</p>.<p>Recreational experiences can be diversified through well-curated and engaging information centres, nature walks with trained naturalists/guides and supporting local art and culture. “Tourism provides a huge opportunity to engage the wider public, and create new livelihood opportunities for people living close to wildlife. We need to develop a wider diversity of visitor experiences to make this fun and cater to a multitude of interests beyond tigers,” says Dr Karanth.</p>.<p>The study was supported by Rufford Foundation, IDEA Wild, Indian Council for Social Science Research and the Centre for Wildlife Studies.</p>
