Studies have been initiated to find out a sustainable model for promoting ‘wildlife’ tourism. The findings from the study undertaken by the leading experts and also from the subsequent discussions among the wildlife experts were used to develop the ‘best practice’ model. This process sets out the functions of a number of ‘players’ that are likely to be included, for an eco-tourism venture to be long-lasting and beneficial for the local people.
They include
• A donor to fund the basic infrastructures such as a visitors’ lodges
• A private investor responsible for setting up and running the venture in conjunction with overseas tourism agencies
• The local community itself which regulates the private investor through an elected committee
Lastly, the model includes a major prominent role for the non-governmental organizations that are responsible for maintaining the negotiation process between the other three parties and ensuring that the interests of the whole community are not displaced by the wealthy players. This relates, most importantly to the redistribution of profits. It was estimated that a scheme averaging ten visitors at any one time could be expected to earn around 30,000 dollars as profit during a good season, in addition to the money earned through other employment options.
Under the best practice model, this income is not simply divided among the community, but is invested either in further project infrastructure development or in other community needs such as health clinics or schools. The project is still in progress. In the case of the Maasai in Kenya, they are now in the process of negotiating a proposal with private investors. They still need support however, with their negotiating committee and the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) a major non-governmental organization has already agreed to supply the necessary technical advice.
In certain parts of India, package tourism models are available that will take a visitor through the different natural wonders of the land. When considering the popularity of
honeymoon packages kerala is leading other destinations mainly due to the wide options available to a visitor. Such packages offered by the resorts adjacent to the forests in Thekkady and Munnar offer awe inspiring sights of wildlife at close quarters.
