Ecotourism en las Islas Encantadas events/2016 EDS Conference... · Islas Encantadas Lessons for...

Ecotourismen las

Islas Encantadas

Lessons for

New Zealand

History of Tourism in Galapagos

1535 Tomas de Berlanga - accidental discovery1835 Charles Darwin visits 1859 Origin of Species - Galapagos ‘arrive’1905/6 Academy Expedition – first major scientific expedition1935 Flora & Fauna ‘protected’1959 Galapagos National Park Declared1968 First Regular Tours – Golden Cachalot1969 First ‘cruise ship’ – Lina A1970 Plan Maestro – proposed max of 10,000 visitors pa.1979 11,000 visitors. 2013 204,000 visitors.

2016 240,000 visitors – projected

Benefits to Galapagos

• Funds Galapagos National Park• Major Economic activity for the islands• Additional economic benefits for the rest of Ecuador.• Puts Galapagos & Ecuador on the world map.• Created major interest in natural science in the

country• Ability to export conservation knowledge and skills• Flagship for the rest of the world – how to do it.

Galapagos – New Zealand

• Isolated Island Group

• 40% Endemism

• Small but growing population

• Unusual and colourful wildlife

• Wilderness areas

• Strong focus on Ecotourism as a key industry

• Isolated Island Group

• 80% Endemism

• Small but growing population

• Unusual and colourful wildlife

• Wilderness areas

• Minimal focus on Ecotourism.

Galapagos / New Zealand

• Difficult access

• Expensive tours

• Limited facilities

• Limited options

• Sea sickness!

• Year-round Season

• Easy access

• Many options for visitors

• Wide range of facilities

• Huge range of options

• 9 month Season

Galapagos/New Zealand Wildlife

• Giant Tortoise• Marine Iguana• Land Iguana• Lava lizards & Snakes• Flightless Cormorant• Waved Albatross• Whales & Dolphins• Sea lion/Fur Seal• Galapagos Penguin• 7 Vegetation Zones.• Very varied Vegetation• 1 ‘River’ 3 Lakes• Volcanic scenery• Evolutionary masterclass

• Kiwi• Kakapo• Takahe• Skinks & Geckos• Giant Weta• Powelliphanta• 12 Species of Albatross• Whales & Dolphins• Sea Lion/Fur Seal• 6 Penguin species• Unique Temperate rainforest• Lakes, Rivers, Mountains.• Volcanic scenery• Hotsprings & thermals• Evolutionary masterclass.

Ecotourism Packages in NZ

1 NZ Operator offering 6 Departures1 NZ Operator offering sub-Antarctic islandsInternational Operators

Lots of Bespoke offersLots of small local Ecotourism operatorsNo Significant NZ Ecotourism operators.

Tourism New Zealand

• Film Tourism

• Special Interest

• Backpacker

• Business Events

• Cruise Sector

• Premium

• Cycling and Mountain Biking

• Fly-fishing

• Golf

• Skiing

• Walking and Hiking

Natural spectacles and unique wildlife encounters are twoof New Zealand's biggest draw-cards.

Tourism New Zealand

• Nature & Wildlife • Whale Watching

• Dolphins

• Horse Riding

• Penguins

• Volcanics & Geothermals

• Gardens

If we value our wildlife and our natural environment,

maybe we should flaunt them?

This may be the best way of protecting them.