Tourism, Rural Tourism, Agri-tourism and Climate change Shree Kumar Maharjan Hiroshima University

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Outline A. Context: Tourism, Rural Tourism, Agritourism and Climate change in general B. Tourism and climate change: international context C. Tourism and climate change inter-linkagesD. Rural tourism: how communities can get benefits to address climate change impacts E. Conclusion F. References2

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You have almost unlimited boundaries and your work is related to almost allAspects of our lives and there is no Such area which is not related to Tourism

- Ban Ki Moon, side event at UNFCCC-13, Bali3

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A. Context: Tourism, Rural Tourism and Climate Change1. Tourism Tourism has rapidly expanded since early 1950sPrimary source of foreign exchange earnings in 46 out of 50 of the worlds Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (UNWTO 2007)Potential to lift people out of poverty through the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities Substantial component of the international development and trade agenda. The international tourists increased from 25 millions in 1950 to 476 million in 1992, which reached 900 million in 2007 (UNWTO, 2007) 1,135 millions in 2014 (UNWTO, 2014) UNWTO estimates domestic tourists are 10 times more than international, as worlds largest single industry (OECD, 1994)

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One of the Biggest and most dynamically growing economic sectors of the world, generates foreign exchange and employment opportunities.

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A. Context: Tourism, Rural Tourism and Climate Change 1. Tourism Travel and tourism is a vital contributor to the global economy, important for many developing countries Effective way of redistributing wealth and catalyst for gender equality, cultural preservation and nature conservation contributing to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (UNWTO, 2009) UNWTO recognizes the importance of tourism sector to adapt to the changing climate and to changes that will continue for the foreseeable future to ensure individuals, communities and nations continue to receive benefits of tourism including the sustainable development in LDCs. UNWTO also fully aware that tourism needs to reach some consensus on measures to be adopted with regards to mitigating GHGs and other environmental impacts.

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Travel and tourism hugely important economic and social value, its role in sustainable development and its relationship with climate. 5

Flow of International Tourists 6

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Scenario of International Tourists flow7Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/

International Tourists8

Sources: UNWTO, 2014

The best performance was recorded in North-East Asia and South Asia in terms of tourism arrivals. UNWTO forecasts the international tourism will grow by 3-4% in 2015 8

Contribution of tourism in Global GDP and Employment9

US$6,526.9 bn (9.2% of GDP) in 2012US$9,939.5 bn (9.8% of GDP) in 2022 (Est.)Source: WTTC, 2012260 million jobs (8.7% of total employment) in 2012 327.9 million jobs (9.8% of total employment) in 2022 (Est.)

2. Rural TourismTraditionally agriculture and forestry were central to rural lives Tourism that takes place in countrysideNot totally new concept, the interest in countryside recreation grew in the 19th century as a reaction to the stress and squalor of the expanding industrial cities Some writers mentioned it as Romanticsm of the rural scene Built upon special features of rural world such as small scale enterprises, open space, contact with nature, heritage, traditional societies and practices Different forms of rural tourism have been developed in different regions developed countries such as Germany, Austria, US, Canada

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But its not adequate to define it just as countryside. Resort based tourism is also based mostly in rural areas and definition of rural itself is difficult and different across the nations. Rural world has many new challenges, nature and landscape conservation and traditional societies are increasingly important. 10

2. Rural Tourism (1) Rural areas are in continuous and complex process of changes because of impacts of global markets, information and communication etc.Multifaceted and dynamic activity, not just farm based tourism. Comprises of farm based tourism together with ecotourism, climbing, riding holidays, adventure, sport, health, hunting and angling, educational travel, arts and heritage, ethnic tourismTraditional in character, growing slowly and organically connected with local families, controlled by local people for long term sustainabilityOver 70% of all Americans now participate in rural recreation; figures for many other OECD countries reveal similar (OECD, 1994) 11

AgritourismComprehensive examination of the literatures reveal many definition of agritourism based on variety of characteristics agritourism, farm tourism, rural tourism interchangeably. Some experts argued that agritourism is not synonymous to rural tourism, it is rather part of it, more specific subset of rural tourism. Phillip et al., 2010 proposed the framework of agritourism types based on three key areas/characteristics Whether or not the product is based on a working farm The nature of contact between tourism and agricultural activity The degree of authenticity in the tourism experience

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Understanding basic fundamentals is imp for any discipline, which is yet to be done for agritourism- It is quite confusing when the authors dont clarify why they have used one particular term rather than another. 12

3. Climate ChangeWeather: State of the atmosphere at a moment in time, determined by the simultaneous occurrence of several meteorological variables (temperature, wind, cloud cover, precipitation) at a specific geographical location. Subjective, personal preferences, activities and personal healthWeather is what tourists actually experience when at a destination, affecting their activities and holiday satisfaction. affects key aspects of tourism operations, including infrastructures, activity programming, and operating costs.

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Weather is an element of the environment that nobody can escape. Weather is good or bad is subjective, and depends on personal preferences, activities, and personal health.

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3. Climate Change (1)Climate: average weather for a specific location state of the climate system, including a statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of meteorological variables over a specified period of time. Climate is what a tourist would anticipate experiencing at a specific destination and time, whereas they might be confronted with weather that may not match these climatic expectations. Climate is a key factor considered consciously or implicitly during travel planningImportant attribute to take into account in locational planning, infrastructure development and destination marketing.

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Averages of climate elements calculated over a uniform and relatively long period covering at least three consecutive ten-year periods are usually referred to as Climate Normals *

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3. Climate Change (2) Climate change refers to any statistically significant variation in either the mean state of the climate or in its spatial (micro-local) or temporal (seasonal) variability, persisting for an extended period (typically decades or longer). Tourism depends not only on average, but also on detailed characteristics of climate the duration of showers or the number of hours with clouds is probably more important for this activity than the absolute amount of rain. Climate change may be due to natural internal processes or external forcing (e.g., fluctuation in solar energy), or to persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use.

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B. International Context: CC and TourismSince 2003, UNWTO has been actively dealing with climate change issues 1st international conference on climate change and Tourism in Djerba, Tunisia collaboration with UNEP, WMO, IPCC, UNFCCC2nd International conference on climate change and tourism was held in Davos, Switzerland from 1-3 October 2007Increased Knowledge and awareness on relationship between CC and tourism, including international processes and related sectoral policiesWider recognition of the urgent need for tourism sector and long term strategy to adapt and mitigate GHGs to address present and future effectsFour key areas: mitigate GHGs from tourism, adapt tourism businesses and destinations, apply existing new technologies for energy efficiency and secure financial resource to assist poorer regions and countries 16

SG of UN has been tasked with developing global response to the challenge of CC, coherent with the MDGsThats why, UN has been developing framework to establish longterm post Kyoto roadmap including targeted milestones. The organization aims at implementing an effective and comprehensive CC framework in the true spirit of ONE UN16

B. International Context: CC and Tourism (2)Forum to bring together international organizations, public and private stakeholders in tourism and the academics to review international processes and discuss adaptation and mitigation needs and policy optionsLinkages between climate factors and tourism operations and draw conclusions and propose recommendations to all stakeholders involved. Acknowledge the need for a long term strategy to reduce GHGs in line with others.

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Milestone event reunited the stakeholders across diff. sectors to review developments and rechart the future. 17

B. International Context: CC and Tourism (3)Davos conference followed up by the Ministerial Meeting in London 13 Nov 2007 and UNWTO General Assembly in Cartagena de Indias, Columbia 23-29 Nov 2007Importance of tourism to address the CC without losing the sights of other priorities, especially poverty alleviation, tourisms contribution in MDGs Adapt and mitigate in line with common but differentiated responsibilities no discrimination against developing countries for economic development Balanced and comprehensive policy responses economically efficient UNWTO - lead initiatives in tourism to develop common framework in tackling CC challengesIn 2008, World Tourism Day and related yearlong campaign on the theme Tourism: responding the challenge of Climate Change

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These key messages came from intense debate18

B. International Context: CC and Tourism (3)

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Info Service as repository for information as a display for data, studies, policy papers, videos and other materials related to tourism and CCWTO assisted countries through their national tourism administrations to access the GEF special climate change fund by approaching multi and bilateral funding sources and private sectorsIn 2005, it was estimated that accommodation sector accounted for 21% of CO2 emissions from tourism.

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B. International Context: CC and Tourism (4)Private sectors significant roles in addressing the challenges in CC in tourism and travel The world travel and tourism council (WTTC) produced the report with commitment in tackling GHGs, endorsed by more than 40 of the worlds largest travel and tourism companies to cut by half carbon emission levels of 2005 by 2035.Interim target of achieving 30 % reduction by 2020 in presence of an international agreement or 25% reduction in absence of such agreement. Governments together with private sectors will be able to tackle CC and its impacts on tourism and travel need to develop and implement regulatory policies and offer economic incentives Number of governments have announced their intentions of carbon neutral tourism and travel sector. For instance, Sri Lanka announced its initiative Earth Lung Carbon Free Sri Lanka in Davos Conference in 2007. Likewise, Norway, Costa Rica and Maldives also announced carbon free tourism

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Tourism in Nepal History and trend Despite long history, more advancement only from 1950s Evolution of tourism dates back to ancient times.Paryant for pleasure, Desant prominently for economic gain & Tirthatan for religious purposesManjushree is regarded as the first tourist came either from India or ChinaTourism in the form of art, culture, architecture, paintings and religions and trades in Lichchavi and Malla period After 1950s, Nepal has opened for foreigners, especially for mountain tourism because of publicity after successful ascendance of Mt. Everest and other mountains

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Rapid growth of tourism in the World only after World War II Ashoka visited Nepal and built Ashok Pillar in LumbiniLichchhavi period is regarded as very significant from the tourism point of view because of art, culture and architecture, paintings, sculpture

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C. Relationship: Tourism and Climate

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The relationship between tourism and climate has been studied for a long time

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C. Relationship between Tourism and Climate Change Two way relationship: both positive and adverse effectsTourism contributes to 5% of Climate change (UNWTO, 2007) Large number of people from almost all over the world travel for the UNFCCC annually 100,000 peoples in COP20 Lima Peru in 20143-4 inter-sessional meetings every year and many CC related events

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Some types of tourism require very specific climate conditions, for example beach tourism, winter sports, or health-wellness tourism.

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C. Relationship between Tourism and Climate Change

In 1970s: Applied climatologists examined the climatic thresholds that defined the length of a season for a wide range of tourism activities In 1980s: bio-meteorologists studied how climatic variables affected the physical comfort of tourists and developed rating systems to evaluate and compare the climates of tourism destinations More recent work has focused on validating climate rating systems for tourism in the marketplace especially on role of weather and climate in travel motivation, destination choice, and holiday satisfaction for tourists

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C. Relationship between Tourism and Climate Change The suitability of a given climate (and weather) and satisfaction of individual tourist varies for different types of tourism, also depending on country of origin, age or other factors. Tourism operators and other tourism stakeholders (investors, insurers, regulators) use climate and weather information in its promotion Integration of tourism in national adaptation strategies in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Fiji and Maldives (UNWTO, 2007)By 2035, CO2 emissions from global tourism is projected to increase by 130 percent (UNWTO 2009)25

CC impacts on tourism26

(Source: UNWTO, 2007)

Tourism is affected by CC across all its settings from mountains to tropical islands, coasts and heritage sitesTourism is also among the causes of this global phenomenon mainly due to the emissions resulting from tourism transport and energy use in facilities Some types of tourism require very specific climate conditions, for example beach tourism, winter sports, or health-wellness tourism.

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CC Impacts on Rural TourismHigh risk and vulnerability of CC in the world's less industrialized rural regions. Immediate and direct effects of CC in rural areas, particularly peoples well-being is depended on natural resources for their livelihoods.

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Simple, agriculture and NR based economies, less/weak infrastructures, adaptive capacities of the people to CC impacts, remote and marginalized areas, ecologically fragile regions 27

D. Rural tourism: How community can benefits from tourism to deal with CC (1)Not accidental nor temporary growth phenomenonUnique, as it comprises many small and micro enterprises that provide a wide range of services UNWTO provided technical assistance to foster business linkages in tourism MSMEs to build capacity in business management, networking, market reach and access to promote tourism in grassroots level, Farm based RT has been successful in many parts of German speaking Europe because of a powerful combination of small farm size, interesting scenery, closeness to markets, traditional town, farmsteads etc. 28

Previously beneficiaries were elite peoples in other forms of tourism in rural areas, but in RT beneficiaries are directly the rural people. 28

Driving Forces of Rural TourismMonotonous hustle and bustle of busy city life in modern or urbanized ageAttractive advertisements on different media, curiosity and boredom created by visiting traditional tourist destinations new tourism productDesire to be close to nature Easy accessible transportation and communication facilities even in rural areas Healthier, fresher air and organic food including outdoor recreation Portrait special culture, art and way of life Experiences of country life, rural lifestyles, interaction with local and ethnic people 29

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Effects of Rural Tourism in Local/Rural Development Positive Job creation, retention and income generation New Economic boom creation and growth of new enterprisesBring export market right to the doorstepPreservation of rural/local culture, heritages Sociocultural capital Stimulating maintenance and development of infrastructuresUpgrading/Enhancing skills, knowledgeCreation of opportunities for YouthsConservation and development of natural resourcesContributing to the tax base to National governmentIncentives/funds for natural, cultural and historical resources Negative Competition of resources water, land etc. Possibility of rise in local prices increase demand of local/rural prices Possibility of aggravation of social tension and cultural disruption In small economy with large tourism sector, the countrys exchange rate can be affected Culture deterioration or erosion Chances of prostitution, child and adolescent abuse, dissemination of HIV/AIDS and sexual harassment 30

Beneficial not only for local people, but also tourists, government and landscape as a whole

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Multiple Relations Tourism and Poverty

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Source: ILO, 2011

Responsible Rural Tourism

Increased attention of social, cultural and environmental impacts of tourismAttractive tool for economic development in developing world32

Sustainable Rural Tourism

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Rural Tourism: Case from BangladeshTourism in Bangladesh is mainly based around nature destinations Rapidly growing sector since 1990s, though least arrivals and lowest revenue generation from tourism sector in South Asia Real GDP growth for travel & tourism is expected to be 1.7%WTTC the GDP contribution is 3.9% in 2010 in Bangladesh Direct potential impacts of CC on destruction of nature and destinations, disruption of infrastructuresAdaptation is larger consideration, however, mitigation is equally importantThere are 43 tourist destinations in Bangladesh with natural, cultural and archeological interests outdoor recreations on natural setting domestic and foreign tourists (Accordingly to Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation)

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CC risks/impacts on Major tourist Spots in Bangladesh PlacesRisksDirect impactsIndirect impacts Coxs Bazar & Teknaf Peninsula - Increased magnitude of costal natural disaster - Long and short term coastal inundation - Causality & high mortality, loss of tourism infrastructures- High degree of safely and efficiency requirement - Loss of summer tourism - Reduced local employment- Investment required- Shift of tourist destinationsSundarban- Increased cyclones and storms, loss of mangrove species, increased salinity - Causality & high mortality of species, lack of tourism facilities, lost of flagship species- Loss of government revenues, no alternative destination Mixed evergreen forest hills in CHT, Sylhet, NE hills- Increased mudslides, flash floods, sedimentation, extinction of biodiversity, droughts - Loss of tourists, migration of peoples, loss of indigenous cultures, causality & high mortality of species - Lack of investments, shift of tourist destinations, social unrests & change in social security of CC migrants and IPs

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Rural tourism: Case from Nepal Nepal is best known as a backpacking and adventure destination, but several tour companies also offer home-stay vacations in rural villages.NTB, almost USD 377 million with 200,000 direct and 1.2 million indirect jobs (NCCR-North South, 2011) In 1995, a rural/village tourism program was included in the national tourism policy.The program was marketed and managed well after launching of Sirubari as first rural tourism site in Nepal in 1997. Local community members were heavily involved in the planning stages. Other villages joined the program, 35

Source: GoN, MoCTCA, 2013

Before the concept of village tourism was introduced, most of Nepal's tourism activity was centered on major trekking routes and mountains.Shift to CBT/RT is need which allow local ownership, local participation in planning, decision making and control mechanisms35

Rural tourism: Case from Nepal But it suffered a major setback soon afterwards, due to the outbreak of civil war. The program has started to grow again after signing the peace treaty in 2007.Tourism management committees are formed in each village, composed of community members assigning guests strictly on a rotational basis and ensure standards, services.Rural tourism has created economic prosperity and reduced the youth migration to some extent by creating jobs at the local level Direct income for locals/communities hotels, homestays, handicrafts, guides, porters, cultural performancesThe revenue also contributed in local conservation programs

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- Before the concept of village tourism was introduced, most of Nepal's tourism activity was centered on major trekking routes and mountains.36

The time is right: the time is right to further discuss and debate on possible solution of climate change and tourism. The time is right to seal the deal and establish a global emissions-regulated framework. The time is right for governments/public and private sectors to forge ahead for innovative CCA & M

E. Conclusion Climate is changing and will continue in future social, economic and environmental impacts Tourism is growing rapidly and it must address the CC issues, as it contributes to the climate change, especially for transportation and accommodation UNWTO is full committedRural areas were main focus of tourism in diff. forms/types of tourism for many years, Rural tourism directly benefits the rural people in diff ways, which helps in building adaptive capacities and resilience of the people

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F. ReferencesOECD, 1994. Tourism strategies and Rural Development. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). UNWTO, 2007. Climate change and Tourism Responding to Global Challenges: Side event at UNFCCC COP 13, Conference on Climate change, Bali Indonesia (11 December 2007) UNWTO, 2007. Second International Conference on Climate Change and Tourism. Technical Note. Switzerland.NCCR North South 2011. Community based and peace sensitive tourism: fulfilling Nepals potential.. Research Evidences for Policy, Regional ediction for south Asia, No 3 Feb 2011. UNWTO, 2014. UNWTO Annual Report 2014 ILO, 2011. Toolkit on Poverty Reduction through Tourism in Rural Areas. International Labour Organization, GenevaGON, 2013. Nepal Tourism Statistics 2012. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Planning and Evaluation Division, Statistical Section, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu UNWTO, 2007. Adaptation to Climate Change in the Tourism Sector , World Tourism Organization 38

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so that our children can enjoy the same resources and beauty that we have for generations.

39THANK YOU VERY MUCH Leave only footprints, and take only photographs.