Domestic tourism is growing rapidly in many European
countries and due to the diversification and individualisation of western society (FUR, n.d.) tourism
niche markets are gaining in importance (Petermann, Revermann & Scherz, 2006). Wildlife tourism
is such a niche market and is worldwide one of the fastest-growing ones (Mintel International
Group LTD, 2008a). Western Europeans in specific have “developed an unprecedented affinity for
daytrips or holidays in natural areas” (Van Egmond, 2008, p. 85) and wildlife watching is one of the
key reasons why people visit natural areas (Mintel International Group LTD, 2008a). Several
European countries have already established an impressive range of
wildlife-based tours. Wolf howling tours in Italy and bear tracking tours in the Carpathian Mountains
are steadily gaining popularity among tourists (Hofrichter & Berger, 2004) and the Canary Islands
record over one million whale watching participants per year (Hoyt, 2000). Interestingly Germany is
one of the biggest markets for outbound wildlife tourism (Mintel International Group LTD, 2008a)
and for 35 percent of all Germans the possibility to watch animals is an important criterion in
deciding on the holiday destination (Wilfing et al, 2008). However, no attempt has been made to
analyse the situation and potential of wildlife tourism in Germany.
This document assesses the background, situation, importance and potential of domestic wildlife tourism in
Germany and explores its link to wildlife conservation. Moreover, it provides information on how to
establish wildlife tourism in Germany that benefits both tourism and conservation actors. As this
topic has not been discussed earlier this thesis can be regarded as a cornerstone in the analysis of
the domestic wildlife tourism market in Germany and the author has made extensive efforts to
obtain in-depth information. Two online surveys were conducted to gain insights into the wants,
needs, motivation and particularities of current and potential German wildlife tourists and their
interest in wildlife conservation. Participant observation and face-to-face interviews with tour
participants and tour guides during three wildlife-based tours and interviews with tourism, wildlife
and conservation experts permitted valuable insights into the possibilities and limitations of
domestic wildlife tourism in Germany. Intensive desk research completed the picture.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction to the thesis topic
1.1 Problem analysis
1.2 Goal and research questions
1.3 Methodology
1.4 Limitations and challenges
1.5 Structure
Chapter 2 – Wildlife tourism and conservation – the theory
2.1 Introduction
2.2 What is wildlife tourism?
2.3 What is wildlife conservation?
2.4 Determinants in the relationship between wildlife tourism and conservation
2.4.1 Impacts
2.4.2 Protected areas and visitor management
2.4.3 Society’s attitude towards natural environment
2.5 Conclusion and implications for further research
Chapter 3 – Wildlife and conservation in Germany – the background
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Wildlife in Germany
3.2.1 Wildlife species
3.2.2 Vulnerability of wildlife
3.2.3 Conflicts with wildlife and wildlife management
3.2.4 Main threats to wildlife
3.3 Conservation in Germany
3.3.1 Conservation legislation
3.3.2 Actors in conservation
3.3.3 Protected areas and visitor management
3.3.4 Barriers to conservation
3.4 Conclusion and link to research goal
Chapter 4 – Wildlife tourism in Germany – the situation
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Tourism in Germany
4.3 Current wildlife tourism demand
4.3.1 Results from the online survey
4.3.2 Characteristics of wildlife watching and interpretation tour participants
4.3.3 Typology of German wildlife tourists
4.4 Current wildlife tourism supply
4.4.1 Suppliers of wildlife-based products
4.4.2 Characteristics of wildlife-based products
4.4.3 Impacts of wildlife-based products
4.5 Conclusion and link to research goal
Chapter 5 – Wildlife tourism in Germany – the future
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Trends and developments
5.3 Future wildlife tourism demand
5.3.1 Growth rate
5.3.2 Awareness and knowledge of German wildlife
5.3.3 Interest in domestic wildlife-based tours
5.3.4 Expectations and appreciation of domestic wildlife-based tours
5.3.5 Interest in wildlife conservation tours
5.3.6 Preference for characteristics
5.4 Future wildlife tourism supply
5.4.1 Cooperation possibilities
5.4.2 Distribution of wildlife species
5.5 Conclusion and link to research goal
Chapter 6 – Possibilities, limitations and recommendations
6.1 Possibilities and limitations of domestic wildlife tourism in Germany
6.2 Recommendations
Objectives & Themes
The main goal of this thesis is to provide insight into the particularities and characteristics of domestic wildlife tourism in Germany and its link to wildlife conservation, in order to assess the possibilities and limitations of this market and offer recommendations for the development of future wildlife-based tours.
- Analysis of the current status and potential of domestic wildlife tourism in Germany.
- Evaluation of the relationship between wildlife tourism and conservation efforts.
- Profiling and typologizing current and potential German wildlife tourists.
- Assessment of existing wildlife-based tourism products and supply structures.
- Examination of factors and barriers influencing the sustainability of wildlife tourism.
Excerpt from the Book
Example – lynx feeding
Lynx are some of the largest carnivores living in Germany – they range in length from 85-110 cm, weigh between 15 and 36 kg, stand up to 70 cm high at the shoulder and reach the age of up to 17 years in the wild. They are solitary and each lynx inhabits an area of about 50-150 km². Their food mainly consists of deer, and occasionally of small mammals such as mice and hares. Like wolves, they were hunted into extinction in Germany – in 1818 the last lynx in Germany was killed. In 1999 the state government of Lower Saxony and the “Landesjägerschaft” (hunters association) initiated the first lynx reintroduction project in Germany – which turned out to be successful: In 2002 the first lynx gave birth to 2 babies in the wild. In total 24 lynx have been released into the wild and 71 babies were counted over the years (Die Rückkehr des Luchses, n.d). About 17 lynx currently live in the Harz in the wild.
Twice a week visitors can attend the feeding of two lynx that were assessed as not suitable for releasing into the wild at the “Rabenklippe” in Bad Harzburg. Between April and November the enclosure can be reached via a gas-powered bus, during the rest of the year the area is accessible by cable train and on foot. The feeding is performed by a national park ranger who informs the visitors about the project and the lynx. Attendance is for free, however, at the end of the feeding donations are collected (voluntary). In addition to these free feeding sessions, since 2008 the “Haus der Natur” offers tours completely dedicated to these animals – the “Luchsticket” (lynx-ticket – see appendix 16.1) – which runs on 7 additional dates. The maximum number of participants is 30 and the tour lasts about 4 hours. The price for adults is 27.90 euro and 21.90 euro for children which includes among others transport to the enclosure, attending lynx feeding, “Futtern wie ein Luchs” (lynx menu including venison), and a “Luchstüte” (bag containing souvenirs). The local tourist authority also offers this ticket as a package tour, which includes in addition 2 nights accommodation, board and entrance in a local wellness centre and costs about 119 euro per person.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1 – Introduction to the thesis topic: This chapter outlines the research problem, goals, and the methodology used to investigate the status of wildlife tourism in Germany.
Chapter 2 – Wildlife tourism and conservation – the theory: The chapter establishes the theoretical foundations by defining wildlife tourism and conservation and examining the key determinants linking the two.
Chapter 3 – Wildlife and conservation in Germany – the background: This section provides background information on German wildlife species, their vulnerability, threats, and current conservation legislation and actors.
Chapter 4 – Wildlife tourism in Germany – the situation: The chapter presents the current situation of the market, including analysis of demand, supply, and specific case studies like lynx and wolf tracking.
Chapter 5 – Wildlife tourism in Germany – the future: Here, the author examines future trends, demand growth, and potential cooperation strategies to improve the sustainability of wildlife tourism.
Chapter 6 – Possibilities, limitations and recommendations: The final chapter synthesizes the findings to provide practical recommendations for stakeholders and concludes with a product suggestion.
Keywords
Wildlife tourism, wildlife conservation, Germany, domestic tourism, environmental education, sustainable development, lynx, wolves, protected areas, visitor management, tourism market, biodiversity, nature-based tourism, interpretation, sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on the domestic wildlife tourism market in Germany, investigating its current state, potential for growth, and its role in wildlife conservation.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The work covers the interrelation between tourism and nature conservation, the classification of wildlife tourists, current tourism products in Germany, and the challenges faced by protected areas.
What is the main objective or research question?
The goal is to analyze the particularities and characteristics of domestic wildlife tourism in Germany to assess market possibilities and limitations while providing development recommendations.
What scientific methods were applied?
The research combines intensive desk research, expert interviews with 17 specialists, participant observations on three wildlife tours, and two online surveys with 327 respondents.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The body analyzes theoretical frameworks, the background of German wildlife, current demand and supply-side trends, and future possibilities for product development and regional cooperation.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include wildlife tourism, domestic market analysis, nature conservation, visitor management, environmental education, and sustainable tourism strategies.
How does the author classify the German wildlife tourism market?
The author identifies four distinct segments: "wildlife and nature lovers," "wildlife and nature experts," "active outdoor enthusiasts," and "general interest visitors," each with unique motivations.
What is the author's conclusion regarding wildlife-based tours?
The author concludes that while the market is still in its infancy, there is significant potential for growth, particularly if products shift from simple "watching" toward educational "interpretation" that benefits conservation.
- Quote paper
- Colette Sosinski (Author), 2011, Wildlife Tourism in Germany, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/183455
