Elephant Tourism Business

Elephant tourism is a growing activity in Asia and Africa, providing a viable way for elephants and their owners to survive. However, many camps have been established as entertainment centers, resulting in serious welfare issues for the elephants and their mahouts. This book draws attention to the need for local solutions to improve the welfare of captive elephants, their mahouts, and local residents and to enhance tourists' experiences. It critically reviews recent research and provides contemporary analytical case studies of elephant tourism policy and practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2020
Publisher: CABI Publishing

Elephant tourism is a rapidly growing phenomenon in numerous countries across Asia and Africa, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe. Since the ban on logging, elephant tourism has emerged as the sole viable means of survival for both elephants and their owners, providing a source of income and support. However, the establishment of many elephant tourism camps has raised serious welfare concerns, as they have been transformed into entertainment centers rather than sanctuaries. This has led to detrimental effects on the elephants and their mahouts, who are subjected to harsh conditions and inadequate care.

The profits generated by elephant tourism in Asia have encouraged African operators to adopt a similar business model. This book aims to draw attention to the urgent need for a comprehensive and rigorous approach to improving the welfare of captive elephants, their mahouts, and local communities. It accomplishes this by:

• Critically reviewing recent research on elephant tourism.
• Presenting contemporary analytical case studies of elephant tourism policy and practice.

The Elephant Tourism Business will provide valuable insights into the organization, regulation, and promotion of elephant tourism, both in elephant areas and tourist origin countries. It identifies key priorities for future research in this field and serves as a unique and authoritative resource for researchers, elephant managers, administrators, and tourism managers.

This book will appeal to academics and practitioners with backgrounds in conservation, the environment, tourism, and veterinary sciences, as well as to tourists who are eager to have firsthand experiences with these magnificent creatures. By promoting responsible and ethical elephant tourism, we can ensure that these incredible animals continue to thrive in their natural habitats and that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably among all stakeholders.

Weight: 984g
Dimension: 179 x 250 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789245868