Transcript
Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional p in India? economic development The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Chair of Tourism (Prof. (Prof Dr. Dr Pechlaner/Christopher Reuter) in cooperation with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ India)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Content I I. Introduction II. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development III. Case Study Design IV. Asan Barrage V Mussoorie V. VI. Conclusions VII. Literature VIII. Appendix
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
I.
Introduction
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
I.
Introduction
Uttarakhand
Excursion North India 2009 (Heckmann, 2009).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
I.
Introduction
Mussooorie Asan Barrage
Tourism is estimated to comprise 20% of the GDP of Uttarakhand; 5,9% for India (estimation by ITOPC) 16,7 million domestic visitors (8,5 million inhabitants) y region g is expected p to have one of the highest g Himalaya potentials among Asian regions (Shackley, 2006) Main products: Adventure Tourism, Spiritual Tourism (Char Dham Yoga, Dham, Yoga etc.) etc ) Main problems (Singh, 2007): - no destination brand - low quality of infrastructure - high taxes. „Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan“ (UNWTO, 2008b)
Rajaji National Park ant the surroundings of Dehradun (UNWTO (UNWTO, 2008b) 2008b).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
I.
Introduction
„Golden Triangle“ today ambitious plan
Source: Based on UNWTO (2008b).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
I.
Introduction
Founded in 1974 Development from an agency to divert Official Direct Assistance (ODA) t a consulting to lti company which hi h h helps l countries t i and d regions i i in conducting development programs Capacity Building: developing individual skills, shaping effective organizations, stengthening the networks created by those organisations, creating g an environment characterized by y stakeholder involvement. Regional Economic Development (RED) project Uttarakhand: developing value-chains, value chains, promoting better regional framework conditions for pro-poor market development, regional marketing and promoting Uttarakhand Uttarakhand.
Source: Based on GTZ (2009).
GTZ ( (Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit) )
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
II. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
II. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Economy Nature • Profit and costs of infrastructure • Ecolgoical damage through • Optimization of Marketing effort, Image infrastructure development • Creation C ti and d conservation ti of fk knowledge l d E l i l damage d th through h • Ecolgoical the activity itself • Network of industries International/National Level •Development of a eco-management • Generating value system
Regional Level Local Level
Sustainable Development in Tourism
Society • Strengthening the regional identity • Involvement of the inhabitants/ Development of a civil society • Preserving options for action for future generations
Source: Based on Bieger et al. (2003).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
II. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Ecotourism: “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, conservation have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.”
Source: IUCN (1996).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
II. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
“Plants Plants and trees are the basis for a beautiful landscape” landscape “landscape as a resource for tourism in a destination” E Ecotourism t i as an alternative lt ti strategy t t to t Resort R t Tourism T i in i developing countries (community-based strategy) M Main i aims i of f ecotourism: t i - more stakeholder-based - more nature-based - more sustainable than other forms of tourism - product development based on nature
Source: Based on WII (2008).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
II. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Attributes of ecotourism:
– No damage to the local residents and the environment of the destination – Promotion of regional small and medium sized enterprises for an independent touristic development – Relation between host and guest should generate benefits by emphasizing the regional identity – Creation of comprehension and knowledge about environment for local residents and tourists (education)
Protection and preservation of the environment Use of existing nature resources
Source: Based on WII (2008).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
III.
Case Study Design
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
III. Case Study Design
A Case study … - investigates a real-life context, - relies on multiple sources of evidence (e.g. statistical data, interviews etc.) - and should be based on theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis.
Source: Based on Yin (2003)).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
III. Case Study Design
Outline Excursion with 24 participants Northern India India,1 1st – 19th of September 2009 (four days of project work) Cooperation with GTZ India (Project RED, Uttarakhand) Two explorative studies on regional economic development in Asan B Barrage and d Mussoorie M i (Uttarakhand, (Utt kh d close l t to D Dehra h D Dun) ) Aims: (1) Evaluate the potential for Ecotourism (2) Investigate the role of development consultants (GTZ)
Research Question: Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in Mussoorie and Asan Barrage? g Limitations: Research within the framework of the UNWTO-plan/ no farreaching theory development
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
III. Case Study Design
Methodology Preparatory desk research Nine structured interviews (divided in three parts) with stakeholders from different backgrounds were conducted (two days) On-side participant observation (two days) M d t d di Moderated discussions i with ith th the students t d t about b t th their i experiences i and d insights Additional (statistical) data was provided by GTZ
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
IV.
Asan Barrage
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Facts & Figures II
- Asan Barrage was constructed in 1967 (manmade) - Unplanned development of the bird sanctuary - GMVN side established in 1994 (watersport facilities) - 2004: Establishment of the Forest Conservation Training Centre - 2005: Declaration as the first Conservation Reserve of India - 251 bird species (80 water-birds), several of them are threatened IBA side id - Area: 444.40 ha (wetland) - AB is fed by Yamuna hydel canal and Aasan river - AB is located on the national highway 72 (approx. 40 km from Dehradun railway station and 52 km from Jolly Grant airport) - Accommodation facilities: 4 lodges, g 2 suites ( (Forest Department) p ) + 2 cottages (GMVN), camping site - 10 tour guides cater approx. 4000 visitors in groups (Hindi) of 15-20 per year - Gastronomy: 2 canteens (FD and ID), kiosk (GMVN)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Facts & Figures III
- Ownership: highly diverted (FD, ID, local communities, private) - Governance: Management Commitee was created in 2006: Forest Department Local communities Irrigation Department Local communities
- Entry fee: 2 Rs. for Conservation Campus - Pricing: Pi i D Dormitory it 110 R Rs., C Cottage tt 440 R Rs. ( (non A/C) A/C), Lodge 880 Rs., Suites 1200 Rs. - Homepages: www.asanwetland.com (not available) www.yamunabirdcount.com (not available)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Tourism Development
Source: WII (2009).
Conservation vs. tourism development (potential conflict) Small scale ecotourism development in place (focus on birdwatching) Restricted use of the reservoir for water activities Infrastructure: Bypass yp of National Highway g y 72 completed p ( (improvement!) p ) Large-scale boulder mining across the Yamuna river Finance: Great dependency on public funds
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Tourism today and potential target groups
Hi h High
POTEN NTIAL Low EcoTourism Watersports Recreation Pilgrimage g g SEGMENTS
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Eco-tourism and Innovation
- Beach and recreation area (restricted and monitored) - (Paddle/Electro-) Boatingtours including bird watching - Multiple language guidance - Solar powered hotel and/ or boats - Park, bike and boat (centrally ( organized, one-for-all f tickets) ) - Souvenir shop and/ or book shop - Adventurepath
„I‘d be bored in 2 hours!“
- Free on-site training for school teachers (promoters) - Special events (family day day, yoga courses courses, etc etc.) ) - Canoeing (Yamuna, dry-season)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Eco-tourism and quality
- Education and vocational training (language skills, hospitality, specific topic-related knowledge) - Enforcing quality standards (classification/ certification) - Waste management - Attractiveness A i and d ecological l i l design d i of f the h facilities f ili i - Regular maintenance of the facilities - Monitoring and quality control - Up-to-date homepage - Quality of food (above average restaurant needed)
„Good food always attracts people.“
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage: Eco-tourism and Integration/Cooperation
- Enhanced packaging (hotel) - Integration of tour operators - Cooperation between public and private sector (e.g. PPP) - Cooperation with schools and colleges (free training for teachers) - Improving the effectiveness of the management commitee of Asan sa Barrage/ a age/ Networking et o g between bet ee Stakeholders Sta e o de s - IBA bird watching circuits (e g Timli Forest Trail) (e.g.
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„There are so many good schools. It It‘s s a huge potential. potential.“
- Cooperations for product development within the Dehradun region
Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Synthesis Asan Barrage
Conclusion 25
Asan Barrage needs to improve its facilities and the quality of the surroundings and the offered services Innovative ways to allow tourism infrastructure development (e.g. ecohotel) should be implemented Local recreation demand attractive market Innovative products (e.g. local cuisine and craftsmanship, adventure trails) have to be developed I t and IntradI Inter-Network t N t k cooperation ti must t be b institutionalized i tit ti li d (bi (bird d watching circuits, destination management) Private actors must be involved into the development process and local entrepreneurship strengthened Marketing and promotion need to be professionalized and adapted to (e.g. g web 2.0, attract school children) ) future customers ( Attractive Branding (e.g. Yamuna River Eco-Resort)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Synthesis Asan Barrage
OFFERS - Customized local packages - Integration into destination packages - High value service-provision - Tourist/ T i t/ Nature N t Information I f ti Centre C t - Local (food) products PRODUCTS - Diversified water activities (product and spatial diversification) - Sophisticated forms of guiding (hospitality/ customer satisfaction) - Upscale accommodation in vicinties close to AB - Trekking/ walking trails THEMES - Ecotourism - Recreation (local/regional) ( g ) VALUES - Quiet - Green (Highly bio-diversified) and blue (water: river confluence and artificial lake) - Accessible 26
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Outlook
Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
V.
Mussoorie
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
History of Mussoorie
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
History of Mussoorie
(Received its name from an abundantly growing plant called Mansoor)
1803: Erstwhile 1803 E t hil Garhwal G h l and d Gorkha G kh envision i i 1815: Becomes part of the British Empire 1826: First Building g “Mullingar” g errected by y Caption p y young g 1827: Convalescent depot for Europeans was built - Indians and dogs not allowed 1832: The first Surveyor General of India “George George Everest Everest” establishes Everest Lodge 1842: Mussoorie given the status of city 1861: First hotel „Charles Ville“ opened 1901: Population (~ 6500) rises to 15.000 in summer 1920: Mussoorie gets electricity 1959: First Exile station of Tibetan Government
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
History of Mussoorie 1959: Establishment of training institute for Indian Administrative services (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) 1980: Supreme Court of India puts a ban on construction of new buildings at Mussoorie
Important political movements & protests 2-Oct-1994: The police firing incident during the Uttarakhand movement Political Changes Year 2000 formation of the state of Uttarakhand carved out from the erstwhile Uttarpradesh
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Visitors Information: Mussoorie
Visitors Reference Period: April 2005 – March 2006 Source ACNielsen ORG‐MARG Pvt. Ltd Domestic Overnight Locatio n April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Total Musso orie i 170312 236159 52195 46482 49535 52154 71514 78765 112356 13203 15135 16224 914034 Foreign Overnight Visitors Musso orie 140 848 73 44 95 0 1496 1324 212 232 0 68 4532 Day Tourists Musso orie 5645 6574 7021 3541 2814 2657 3536 10418 8975 5624 2800 2750 62355
Source: ITOPC (2008).
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Classification of Accommodation Units in Uttarakhand
Location Dehradun Haridwar Rishikesh Starred 6 0 0 Unstarred 94 37 30 Others 31 791 34 Total 131 828 64
Mussoorie
Badrinath Gangotri Yamunotri Nainital Joshimath Kothdwar Corbett N.Park Pithoragarh h h Almora Ranikhet Pauri Bageshwar Kausani Uttarkashi Total l
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9
0 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 2 25
162
4 9 7 110 30 7 0 7 3 1 15 2 12 18 548 8
33
27 52 70 24 17 6 0 5 34 11 3 1 0 56 1195 9
204
31 61 77 135 47 13 5 12 37 14 18 4 13 74 1768 68
Source: ITOPC (2008).
Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Mussoorie: Tourism Development
Quality based policy Issues related to q quality y of offerings g 1. 2. 3. Ban on construction and renovation of existing accommodation units Demand is higher than supply and continuously growing Discourages the qualitative improvement of offerings Destination has reached its maturity in terms of volumes diversion to satellite destinations is more of a necessity than a conscious diversification strategy gy
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Mussoorie: Ecotourism and Innovation
C Connection ti of f th themes and d services: i
(e.g. in Dhanolti, George Everest Estate, Kempty Falls)
-
Health: yoga, nutrition, ayurveda, walking Sports: mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, paragliding Spirituality: meditation Culture: religion, Tibetan/ British history, traditional handicraft
Eco Parks as a starting point for Eco Trails
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Mussoorie: Ecotourism and Quality
Research R h on scientific i tifi b basis i and d corresponding di t teaching hi offers ff (seriousness as part of the image) Consideration of customer needs (multilingual information and guiding idi as basic b i quality) lit ) The research on scientific basis is expensive and justifies in medium term a high prize strategy Step-by-step equalisation of prize levels for residents and guests
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Mussoorie: Ecotourism and Cooperation (interorganisational perspective)
Integration of Ecotourism elements in the education at schools in Mussoorie (projects and workshops) Close cooperation with scientific and research institutions for product development Close cooperation p between Forest Department, p , Hotel Association and City Council Marketing cooperation between Ecotourism offers in the Mussoorie Region (special interest groups)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Mussoorie: Ecotourism and Integration (service perspective)
Integration of touristic players (e.g. Hotel Association) into development projects of the Forest Division Integration of Eco Development Committees (e.g. Dhanolti) into the cooperation of Hotel Association and Forest Department Integration of responsible persons in the tourism of Mussoorie into the marketing and promotion activities of Uttarakhand Combination of the attractions of Mussoorie Region in packages and d visit day i it offers ff
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Destination Mussoorie
George Everest Estate
…
Kempty Falls
Mussoorie
Dhanolti Yamuna Bridge
Aasan Barage
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Potential Products and attraction points
Architectonic arrangement of view points (e.g. sky walk) Eco Parks as attraction points of the Greater Mussoorie Area Sustainability of infrastructural projects (e.g. cable car project from Dehradun to Mussoorie „car free“ destination)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
VI.
Conclusions
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Conclusions
- There is no chance of establishing ecotourism without clear cooperations between Forest Department and private actors - There is no possibility to introduce tourism and destination development without investments in training (language, ( g g , content and hospitality) p y) - Due to globalization and internationalisation (and the UNWTO goals for Uttarakhnad) it is necessary to adapt the western quality standards and prices step by step - Two possible strategies: Ecotourim as a premium product for foreigners and underlying strategy for general l recreation ti (local/regional (l l/ i l demand) d d) - Marketing and promotion are necessary partial strategies y develop p the destinations in order to fully
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Conclsusions
- E Extraordinary t di destinations d ti ti and d attraction tt ti points i t need da marketing implementation according to the product development. p Especially p y important p is the coordination between state institutions and private investors - Ecotourism is an interesting product for the purpose of strengthening t th i the th awareness and df for th the development d l t of f the competitiveness - Ecotourism has to be understood as an underlying (sustainable) strategy and an additional offer for a broader destination management - The effect of restrictions have to be evaluated (construction ban vs. Car free destination Mussoorie)
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Chances and Challenges for Ecotourism
necessary to make up for smaller revenues (big effort)
Premium Product „Ecotourism“
first step/ long-term
Quality - natural environment! - service quality - development of local human ressources
realistic for both cases/ mid-term
Underlying strategy for developing sustainable local and regional tourism markets
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Yes, but …
Premium Product „Ecotourism“ E t i “
Cooperation Innovation Q lit Quality
Awareness
Entrepreneurship
(Networking) Attitude
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
VII.
Literature
Bieger, T., Bi T Müller, Müll H., H Elsasser, El H., H Johnsen, J h J., J Weber, W b F., F Wyss, W U. U (2003): (2003) Nachhaltigkeit N hh lti k it der d fis fi alpinen l i Ski WM 2003 i in St. St Moritz. M it Schlussbericht, St. Moritz. GTZ (2009): Homepage of RED program in India. Retrieved November 3rd 2009, p g p URL: http://www.gtz.de/en/weltweit/asien-pazifik/indien/24110.htm ITOPC (2009): Tourism Statistics. Retrieved November 3rd 2009, URL: http://www.itopc.org/travel-requisite/tourism-statistics.html Ministry of Tourism (2008): Annual Report 07/08 07/08. Shackley, M. (2006): Atlas of Travel and Tourism Development, Boston. Singh, P.B. (2007): Uttaranchal Tourism. Branding a tourist destination. – In: Journal of Hospitality Application and Research. Vol. 2, N 1 No. 1, 2007 2007. Singh, T. V., Singh S. (2000): Tourism in India. Development, performance and prospects, in: Hall, C.M., Page, S. (Eds.): Tourism in South and South East Asia. Issues and Cases. Oxford. UNWTO (2008a): Asia. Tourism Market Trends. 2007 Edition. Madrid. UNWTO (2008b): Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan. 2007-2022, unpublished study, Dehradun. Wildlife Institute of India (2008): Tourism and conservation at Asan Barrage Barrage, unpublished study study. Yin, R. (2003), Case Study Research. Design and Methods (3rd edition). London. 45
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Thank you very much for your attention!
Prof. Dr. Harald Pechlaner
Professor of Tourism Director of the Center for Entrepreneursh!p C th li U Catholic University i it of f Ei Eichstätt-Ingolstadt h tätt I l t dt
[email protected]
Christopher Reuter, M.A.
Research Associate Chair of Tourism/Center for Entrepreneursh!p Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
[email protected]
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
VIII. Appendix
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Members of Group A Christopher Ch i t h R Reuter, t M M.A. A Ravinder Kumar (GTZ) Natallia Brahinets Claudia Gunkel Natalia Gritsenko Eva Hauke Kilian Kärgel Sandra Karlsen Albert Kräh Lena – Maria Pfaff Kerstin Riedl Anne Soffner Daniel Sukowski Julian Sukowski
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Members of Group B Prof. P f D Dr. Harald H ld P Pechlaner hl Sanjay Bahti (GTZ) Nina Buchelska Alexandra Danz Sebastian Ferschl Daniela Gehring Björn Huntemann Markus Kapfer Janina Mülheims Lukas Petersik Katharina Pointvogl Zornitsa Slavkova Ludwig Thieme
Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Interviews Asan Barrage 10/09/2009: 1) Dr. Dhananjay Mohan, WII; Dr Gautam, Dr. Gautam WII; 2) Mr. Rajeev Bhartari, Addl. Secretary Tourism, Deputy CEO UTDB 11/09/2009: 3) Mr. Ram Lal Arya, Forest Department; 4) Mr. Mr Yasir Arafat Arafat, Sales and Marketing Manager Competent Palace Hotel
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
Interviews Mussoorie 10/09/2009: 1) Secretary of Eco Development Committee, Dhanolti; Range Officer, Officer Dhanolti Forest Department; Deputy Range Officer, Dhanolti 2) Range Officer, Mussoorie Forest Department 11/09/2009: 3) Mr. Manoj Garg, Resident of Mussoorie 4) Mr. Mr O.P. O P Uniyal, Uniyal Chairman City Board Mussoorie 5) Mr. R.N. Mathur, President of Mussoorie Hotel Association Mr B.N. Mr. B N Mathur, Mathur Owner of Prince Hotel
13 interview partners in two days at two locations
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
SWOT Analysis: Asan Barrage (Summary)
Strengths: - Accessibility: above average - Attractive Att ti landscape l d - Closeness to Dehradun - First stop of Siberian migratory birds - Closeness to Yamuna river - High biodiversity - Involvement of locals (tour guides, management committee) - Many schools and colleges in the region - Closeness Cl to t WII and d FRI (spatial ( ti l and d institutional) i tit ti l) - Potential for HWCs very low - Sport activities have been used for several years (e.g. boating) - GMVN site Weaknesses: - Cement factories directly across Yamuna river - Highway Hi h still till runs th through h th the park k (b (but tb bypass i is also l i in place) l ) - Fragile ecosystem - Parking space is missing - Tours only available in Hindi - Booking system not institutionalized - No private actors on spot - Facilities are mostly of low quality S i quality lit i is well ll b below l western t standards t d d - Service - No price enforcement possible (no fences) - AB is still not well known in the region - Public transport: No direct connection to Dehradun - Governance structures are inefficient (e.g. low influence of tourism experts) - Marketing and promotion are almost non-existing - Target groups are not clearly defined (conflicting views among stakeholders) - Low L awareness among l locals l concerning i eco-tourism t i - No tourist information centres - Inadequate distribution of signs and information boards - Low degree of cooperation among stakeholders (network quality)
Opportunities: - Highway improvement accessability - Increased advertising and promotion activities - High potential of eco-tourism (financing conservation through tourism) - Rising income of the growing Indian middle class Growing demand - Attractiveness of the landscape for Indian city dwellers - High potential among school children and college kids - Positive economic effects (e.g. employment and incomes) - Branding opportunities - Proximity to industrial areas (along highway 72) Business clients - Year-round bird watching possibilities (migratory + breeding birds)
Threats: - Disturbance of birds by tourists - Issues related to the closeness to the border - Proximity to industrial areas (cement factories in Himachal Pradesh) - Possible conflict between conservation and tourism development - Possible conflict between private interest and government - Eco Eco-tourism tourism might only ensure subsistence subsistence-level level incomes (e (e.g. g tour guides are not fully employed right now) needed investments (in the future) might not be possible
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Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development in India? The Case of Mussoorie and Asan Barrage
SWOT Analysis: Mussoorie (Summary)
Strengths: Location and landscape Climate situation (British) History Schools and educational institutions Awareness of unique nature Well known/ established destination Tourism as an important economic pillar Safety for tourists and residents Weaknesses: Infrastructure: public transport, accessibility and road maintenance to satellite locations, parking spaces No (international) service standard Accommodation: basic infrastructure and facilities Missing networks between Mussoorie and satellites Unclear g guest segmentation g and no consequent q p product development (climate as motive is not enough!) Limited hotel capacities reduce innovation power No internationalisation Missing Marketing Management of Mussoorie Region No common internal and external strategies for traditional and modern accommodation Missing know-how and education in the field of tourism Threats: Hotel construction ban Tradition as a barrier for innovation Strong Mussoorie community prevents cooperation tendencies with Mussoorie greater area Strong dependence on Uttarakhand Tourism Policy High number of cold beds doesn’t create sustainable value
Opportunities: As India is becoming a global player Mussoorie has the opportunity to become a global brand Within the Indian domestic market the middle class gets more and more the chance to consume global destination brands From Hill Station Mussoorie to Greater Mussoorie Area Diversification of tourism products and offers Cable car project from Dehradun to Mussoorie
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