Fourth International Conference on Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

The significant movement of tourists carries the risk of the accidental introduction and/or spread of non-indigenous species (NIS). Invasive NIS can have significant impact on the environment as well as on visitor experience. In addition, greater compliance costs and restricted access or cessation of activity due to government imposed controls are both direct costs to the tourist industry. In New Zealand, agriculture and tourism comprise the two key economic earners, while the natural environment – described as “clean and green” – provides opportunity for tourists to experience nature tourism. Research funded through Better Border Biosecurity (B3) integrates identification of potential biosecurity threats from tourists once they cross the border and identifies the points where they interact with our native or agricultural environment. This includes identifying pathways to map tourist flows across the country and commit surveillance efforts at these sites to quantify the biosecurity risk. Another component is to develop a model framework for raising biosecurity awareness and compliance before arrival. The outcome is better understanding of risks carried on the tourist pathway, establishment of priorities for intervention or increased surveillance, and the development of strategies to eliminate or mitigate that risk.