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Event Eco-Tourism with an Eye Towards Hungary: Lessons From FloridaKaren Chambliss, Michael H. Slotkin, and Alexander R. Vamosi
Florida Institute of Technology
School of Management
IntroductionIntroduction
• In 2001, FL Tech and BUTE were awarded a US State Dept Educational Partnership Grant
• The Partnership seeks to address Hungary’s urgent environmental problems AND to promote market-based policies
• Eco-Tourism provides a means towards conserving lands and wildlife while uplifting regional living standards
Introduction, ContinuedIntroduction, Continued• FL Tech School of Management Faculty have
participated in several economic impact studies dealing with a new genre of Event Ecotourism—Birding & Wildlife Festivals (BWFs)
• This paper, mirroring the Grant Partnership, explores whether the BWF theme can be successfully transplanted to Hungary, and in so doing, serve as a catalyst for eco-tourism in rural, eastern Hungary (where unemployment is higher and per capita incomes are lower)
Introduction, ContinuedIntroduction, Continued
• Mike—The impact of birding and wildlife viewing nationally, within the state of Florida, AND Florida BWFs
• Alex—Why Hungary is suitable candidate for the transplantation of this idea
• Karen—Some insights we have garnered from BOTH our Florida BWF experiences AND our exchanges in Hungary
Birding & Wildlife Birding & Wildlife WatchingWatching
• According to a 2001 US DoI Report: 66 million Americans aged 16 and
older engaged in wildlife observation Yearly spending totals $38.4 billion Birding or birdwatching comprises the
largest share (about 80 percent)
• Wildlife watching “trips” numbered about 22 million
Wildlife Watching in Wildlife Watching in FloridaFlorida
• According to a 2001 FFWCC Report: About 3.25 million people engaged in
some form of wildlife observation in the State of Florida
The economic impact totaled $2.9 billion for Florida’s economy
Net effect: creation of 28,400 jobs
Birding & Wildlife Festivals Birding & Wildlife Festivals (BWFs)(BWFs)
• 3-4 day celebrations of birds and wildlife• Utilize NWR’s, NPs, SPs, protected lands• Emphasize indigenous plants & wildlife• Carry a flavor of local culture and heritage• Seek to educate through workshops & seminars• Birding lies center stage…but other
participatory activities (canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding) are included
• Focus on conservation and respect for the environment
BWFs, ContinuedBWFs, Continued• SCBWF (Aggressive Economic Impact; $300k)
Brevard County (MINWR, PINWR, Canaveral National Seashore)
Comparatively large budget via “guarantor”
• FPBWF (Moderately Aggressive Impact; $100k) Gulf & Franklin Counties (St. Vincent NWR, St.
Marks NWR, Apalachicola NF, St. George Island SP) Fundraiser for the St. Joe Wildlife Sanctuary
• FKBWF (Less Aggressive Impact; $50k) FL Keys (limited budget, educational focus, raptor
migration, Key Deer, snorkeling, etc.)
Potential Benefits Derived Potential Benefits Derived from a Hungarian BWFfrom a Hungarian BWF
• To be held at Hortobágy-Tisza Lake Area Serves as a catalyst for other ecotourism and
cultural-heritage activities Prompts follow-up or add-on visitation Inculcates entrepreneurial “risk-taking”
Why Hungary?
• Hungary has the potential to be a major player in the European birding and wildlife viewing market
• Strong Commitment to Nature Conservation
• Diversity of Species (animal and flora)
• Existing Ecotourism/Cultural Programs birding tours well-established rich endowment of cultural capital
Hungary’s Geography
• Located in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe
• Size and population comparable to:Indiana (area = 93,000 sq km)Michigan (population = 10.1 million)
Hungary’s Commitment to Nature Conservation
Protection of Forests
1426: Considerate use of the Forests
1790: Regulations preventing deforestation
1879: Law on Forests
Protection of Wildlife
1729: Edict to regulate hunting
1901: Widespread legal protection of bird species
Law on Forests & Nature Conservation (1935)
1939: Nagyerdö or Great Forest
1973: Hortobágy National Park
Hungary’s Extensive Conservation Program
• Protect lands: 2 million + acres
• 1,125 Regional Conservation Districts
• 38 National Landscape Conservation Areas
• Protected species: 535 plant & 855 animal
• 10 National Parks created in last 30 years
Hortobágy National Park -Tisza Lake
• The Hortobágy, considered to be the richest birding locale in Hungary, has been a World Heritage Site since 1999
• 81,000 hectares of protected wetlands and puszta
• Tisza Lake, a man-made reservoir adjoining the Hortobágy, is sanctuary to 150 + bird species
Diversity of Animal Species
Saker Saker FalconFalcon
Elk drinking from an Elk drinking from an ox-bow lake in ox-bow lake in
GemencGemenc
Diversity of Flora 3,000 plant species
Yellow Yellow Wood Wood VioletViolet
Pygmy Pygmy IrisIris
VariegateVariegated Crocusd Crocus
Current State of Ecotourism(birding)
• Guided bird tours offered by prominent international ecotour companies Probirder Wings Birding Tours Sarus Bird Tours Birdwatching Breaks Sakertour
• Lack of detailed information Profile of the foreign
ecotourist? Size of industry? Economic Impact?
The town of Tokaj and the Tisza river. Placid home of the famous Hétszölö estate
vineyards, where world-class Tokaj wines are produced.
Széchenyi Baths and Swimming Pool in
Budapest
Renowned Thermal Baths and Wine
Country
Lessons Learned
• Use BWF to increase emphasis on ecotourism in Hungary Enhance stature as tourist draw Uplift Hungarian living standards
• Pursue aggressive economic impact modelTo include fundraising for National Parks
Success Defined
Introduce Hungary to broader subset of visitors interested in nature:
• BWF as vehicle to introduce vast natural resources of Hungary
• Showcase cultural diversity and rich history
• NOT a panacea for under-developed ecotourism industry nor a savior for Hungary’s rural poor
Insights from Florida
In U.S. planning/actualizing consumes nearly a year – Hungary’s 1st BWF may take 18-24 months
Organization comprised of 4 specific areas:
• Obtain approval to use protected areas
• Identify primary festival organizers
• Create environment to attract volunteers
• Secure sufficient funding
Cash Flow & Funding
Seed money required for proper timing of cash flows
Potential sources of funds:
• Guarantor – entrepreneur, government agency, or foundation?
• National and local governments: In-kind contributions (use of lands and experts and advertising)
More Potential Sources
• Media: newspapers, birding magazines, radio, and television stations
• Businesses
• Tourism development agencies
• Polluters
Hurdles to Overcome
A successful ecotourism event in Hungary faces hurdles in three primary areas:
• Financing – not likely an entrepreneur
• Bureaucracy – response time, attaining commitments in timely manner
• Infrastructure – language, amenities, roads and transportation make travel time longer
Concluding Remarks
• Ecotourism supports protection of nature• Benefits local communities
Increased employment opportunities through generation of green incomes
Educates tourists & locals about need to protect natural & cultural values
• Hungary has potential to be a major player in European bird & wildlife viewing market
• Hungary’s conservation record noteworthy & consistent with ecotourism mores and values