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The promotion of UNESCO biosphere reserves as tourist destinations: a preliminary examination of trends and implications

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  • Jason Ryan
  • Sari Silvanto
  • Victoria Seitz

Abstract

This article explores the extent to which UNESCOs man and the biosphere (MAB) programme is being used by national tourist organisations (NTOs) to promote tourism and examines the impact of tourism on the central purpose of the MAB programme: developing sites of excellence where new and optimal practices to manage nature and human activities are tested and demonstrated. The article specifically examines how extensively the UNESCO biosphere designation is being used by NTO websites to encourage tourism and whether the biosphere reserves that are being promoted as tourist destinations and attractions are in countries that score favourably on the environmental performance index (EPI), a rating of countries on performance indicators covering environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. The study finds that, on average, countries that promote biosphere reserves as tourist destinations tend to have better environmental records than countries that do not. Further research, especially case studies, is needed to confirm these findings. This study also identifies major trends and issues concerning the use and management of UNESCO biosphere zones as tourist attractions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jason Ryan & Sari Silvanto & Victoria Seitz, 2013. "The promotion of UNESCO biosphere reserves as tourist destinations: a preliminary examination of trends and implications," International Journal of Business and Globalisation, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 10(3), pages 309-324.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbglo:v:10:y:2013:i:3:p:309-324
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    Cited by:

    1. Pollermann, Kim, 2013. "Nachhaltige Regionalentwicklung und kooperativer Naturschutz in Süd-Korea. Governance-Prozesse im Jeju Island Biosphere Reserve im Vergleich mit Biosphärenreservaten in Deutschland und Großbritannien," EconStor Research Reports 88447, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.

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