The Hindu Business Line : Carefully targeting ecotourism projects

As nations develop their projects to take advantage of the ecotourism trend, it is important that they are clear of what experience they are offering the tourist and carefully package it in a manner that meets the expectation of the tourist.

ECOTOURISM is all the rage these days. At a time when natural environments are being eroded through logging, mining, and such exploitative activities, eco tourism provides a safe alternative to continue seeking economic benefits in a sustainable manner. The UN even declared 2002 as the year for eco-tourism as a way of popularising the concept and encouraging nations to develop their own programs.

The objective of eco-tourism is to encourage travel to natural areas in a responsible manner so that it conserves the environment and benefits the lives and cultures of local people. It is slowly gaining an increasing share and is now put at about 20 per cent of the almost $3 trillion (Rs 4,500,000 crore) worldwide tourism industry.

But as nations develop their projects to take advantage of this trend, it is important that they are clear of what experience they are offering the tourist and carefully package it in a manner that meets the expectation of the tourist. An eco-tourist looks for more than just being able to visit or look at cultural events or the natural environment.

Take Bhutan, for instance. The government's Web site states that they have adopted `a controlled tourism and development policy.' In 1997, they had 5,000 tourists and in 2004, saw a record number of 9,259 visitors. The king is clear about protecting Bhutanese culture. This finds expression in several areas, such as the architecture of the buildings, and the requirement that people wear traditional clothing. I saw a sign outside a government office in Phuentsholing stating that all visitors must appear in formal clothes. An archery contest in a local park with the participants wearing traditional clothes and singing and dancing accompanying every time the arrow struck the target seems like an everyday natural event.

The government recognises the need for better infrastructure such as more hotel rooms, and professionals to organise tours. But in a pursuit for more tourists, there is a danger that the nation would be swamped by them. Culture and nature, such as Buddhist meditation centres, monasteries, and trekking trips, are the main draws and Bhutan has the potential of being a premium location for the high-paying tourist rather than catering to the run-of-the-mill traveller. Nepal has already suffered from mountaineers, trekkers and other tourists who come to admire the spectacular landscape but have also contributed to its damage.

Tours that cater to the discerning traveller are big business. The Smithsonian is an institution in Washington that is devoted to the `diffusion of knowledge.' It runs a renowned national museum and leveraging its expertise, branched into conducting what are called `Journeys' or tours to places like the Antartica and the Galapagos Island that can put you back about $6000 (Rs 2.65 lakh) for a two-week trip.

While it may seem pricey, you have an expert on the subject accompanying you delivering lectures and so you not only enjoy the advantages of a well-organised trip but also learn about what you are seeing and experiencing.

Karnataka Government, through its Jungle Lodges and Resorts operation seems to have put some thought into what it offers visitors to its tourism spots and has identified a nice mid-market niche.

When I visited the lodge on the banks of the Kabini River a couple of years ago, it was an affordable experience that was very professionally run (thanks to the vision of Col. Wakefield, the resident Director). The lodges were clean and functional, with all the conveniences one would need while retaining a basic style. No television, or phones in the lodge rooms, for that is not what one needs here. The food is appetising and served in a natural setting overlooking Kabini.

The safari ride was in open jeeps, and conducted by knowledgeable, trained rangers who could explain the fauna and answer questions about the habitat. They were equipped with wireless communication devices which allowed them to stay in touch with each other, and get to know areas where animals were spotted, thereby directing their vehicles to those spots. This gave all visitors the satisfaction of seeing a wide range of animals, without having to spend endless hours atop machans hoping the animals come by. By controlling the number of visitors, and thereby the vehicles moving about, they were able to ensure that the jungle paths were not becoming noisy highways. In just a weekend, one could have a memorable experience.

West Bengal Tourism, on the other hand, needs to make up its mind whether it is really catering to an eco-tourist audience as claimed or just an average picnic crowd, out for a change of scene and glad if they can spot a peacock or monkey along the way. The booklet about the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (a priced publication which I discovered by chance, was stacked deep in a shelf away from tourist eyes!) beautifully describes the wide variety of animals such as rhinos, gaur, deer and so on that inhabit the place. Primed by the promises in the booklet, I opened the windows of my room in the tourist lodge to discover a trash dump.

The organised safari is riding cramped in a Maruti van supplied through a bidding process by private taxi operators. The convoy moves along a specified route, and the drivers, not being equipped with wireless equipment, are in touch with no one but make good faith efforts to spot animals that they point out. Meanwhile, families with overzealous children ignore signs that request silence and their constant chatter makes you feel you are in a country fair. The animals wisely stay away. There is nobody around to explain the innovative programs described in the booklet such as plantation of indigenous grasses, and the involvement of the villagers in sustainable cultivation.

The Leopard Rescue Center at RajaBhatkawa turns out to be a set of cages smaller than what you may find in a zoo, where rescued leopards look longingly at the surrounding jungles and await their end. If the Tourism department cannot deliver on its promises of ecotourism, it should rewrite its booklets lest it be accused of faulty advertising.

The experience promised to the tourist should be backed by systems and conveniences that are designed and priced according to the segment one caters to. The Jaldapara experience was priced at about half the Kabini price, and was closer to what was delivered rather than what was offered.

Eco-tourism offers tremendous opportunities to providers who have a clear vision, and put in the effort to organise and maintain their offerings. An eco tourist site that is treated as just another picnic spot can only lead to further deterioration of the asset.

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