Article: The promotion of UNESCO biosphere reserves as tourist destinations: a preliminary examination of trends and implications Journal: International Journal of Business and Globalisation (IJBG) 2013 Vol.10 No.3 pp.309 - 324 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. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

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

Authors: Jason Ryan; Sari Silvanto; Victoria Seitz

Addresses: CSUSB, JB458, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA ' CSUSB, JB458, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA ' CSUSB, JB458, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA

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.

Keywords: destination marketing; tourism; eco-tourism; destination branding; UNESCO biosphere reserves; tourist destinations; environmental performance index; EPI; public health; ecosystem vitality; tourist attractions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2013.052990

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2013 Vol.10 No.3, pp.309 - 324

Published online: 21 Nov 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article

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

Keep up-to-date