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Protected area tourism partnerships: what makes them tick?
Conference paper   Open access

Protected area tourism partnerships: what makes them tick?

S. Moore, B. Weiler, M. Lockwood, A. Wegner, J.H. Laing, S. Pfeuller, G. Croy, D. Lee and J. Macbeth
APAC
Australian Protected Areas Congress, Protected areas in the century of change (Twin Waters, Queensland, 24/11/2008–28/11/2008)
2009
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Abstract

Partnerships between tourism enterprises and protected area managers are widely promoted as means to generate mutually beneficial outcomes. This paper reports on a study that examined the effectiveness of twenty-one tourism partnerships associated with protected areas across Australia. Quantitative and qualitative surveys of partnership participants were used to identify the most important features of the partnerships and analyse the relationships between these features and outcomes for participants, as well as for sustainability more generally. Important outcomes for the partners included economic gains for protected areas and tourism businesses; improved availability of information; improved relationships; adoption of innovative approaches to problems-solving; and reduced conflict between partners. Important sustainability outcomes included improved understanding of the values of protected areas; improved biodiversity conservation; greater respect for culture, heritage and traditions; increased engagement of local communities in tourism; and increased local social and economic benefits. Partnership-related features that influenced these outcomes included open communication; inclusive participation; partners' commitment; adaptability to changing circumstances; leadership by at least one of the partners; agreement on the purpose and direction of the partnership; identification and allocation of partners' roles and powers; agreements and regulations supporting the partnership and tourism in protected areas; sufficient resources; and an understanding other partners' viewpoints. These results are used to characterise and identify the requirements for successful protected area tourism partnerships.

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