Monkey Mia Case Study

Discussion

The significance of certainty of the wildlife interaction was highlighted by the ranking exercise and is in line with results reported elsewhere (Fredline & Faulkner, 2001; Higginbottom, 2004). Some authors have argued that the basic premise of wildlife-based tourism is the predictable occurrence of wildlife (Higginbottom, 2004; Duffus & Dearden, 1990). In the case of Monkey Mia, this has been achieved through the feeding programme. Our results indicated that the large majority of visitors (85%, n= 205) did not feel that their experience was negatively affected if they were not able to feed the dolphins themselves. This suggests that feeding is seen as a means to the desired end. The motivation of being close to animals stems from

Here we found that the introduction of kite and windsurfing decreased utility, whereas respondents were willing to pay AU$7 for the introduction of hiking activities. Ecotourism places emphasis on an educative and appreciative interaction with nature, while adventure tourism is primarily using location to facilitate specific activities (Weaver, 2001). Our results imply that there is little demand towards moving to adventure tourist activities in the area, but maintaining and extending the spectrum of nature-based

Encouraging visitors to connect with and be more aware of nature. The context under which an activity occurs can change motivation, expectations and the behavior of tourists. For example, heightened notions of wilderness have been shown to decrease the need to touch wildlife (Curtin, 2006).

5. Expand the regional promotion campaign. Rather than focussing on the dolphin interaction, regional tourism associations should promote Monkey Mia and Shark Bay as a World Heritage Area; emphasising marine wildlife such as dolphins, dugongs, sharks and other nature-based opportunities available including fishing or bird watching. This is in line with the current Shark Bay Strategic Management plan (McCluskey & Australia, 2008).

6. Resetting expectations. To manage expectations it is important to reiterate that encounters of anticipated species may not occur, as they are wild animals, and provide alternative experiences (Duffus & Dearden, 1990; Orams, 2000).