Linking tourism and natural resource management through output indicators

Abstract

There is growing concern about the future of coral reef health in the Great Barrier Reef, and the health of the tourism industry based upon it. Using strategies of ecotourism accreditation and permitting systems, studies of the economic value of the tourism industry to the local region, tourism industry and natural resource management align themselves for healthier reefs and a stronger, more resilient industry. This paper uses a model of indicators to look at the linkages between natural resource management and industry performance. We use input indicators, i.e. the expertise and financial resources put into maintaining a healthy reef, output indicators, visitor perceptions of the reef and their experience, and outcome indicators, satisfaction scores, to do this. We find that there has been a large input investment, which links to some, but not all of the outputs. Outcomes, however, appear to be more highly determined by the level of staff service, the diving and snorkelling experiences, and the weather conditions. We suggest therefore that the linkages between natural resource management and industry is complex one, and additional research into the resilience of the industry is required to maintain a strong reef tourism sector.