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Abstract

Hewlett, T.R.O. and D.A. Bronstein. 2009. Conservation vacation: tourism can promote conservation and economic development. JEMREST 6:00-00

10.4029/2009jemrest6no19

Much research and discussion has dealt with the issues of conserving endangered species while simultaneously benefiting communities located near the endangered species habitats. Advocates claim that tourism implemented in a responsible, sustainable manner can benefit both wildlife and communities. Considerable literature, however, argues against these benefits and suggests tourism to be more harmful than beneficial. The use of tourism as both a tool in development and conservation has been considered and reviewed numerous times, but is often concluded to be of little benefit or actually harmful to the wildlife it means to protect and the local communities. This paper reviews fifty case studies gathered from different varieties of literature and examines multiple instances of successful tourism development that has benefited wildlife and the local communities. We conclude that, when conducted properly, tourism can indeed bring benefits to conservation and the local community.