Sustainability of Wildlife Tourism Tourist Perceptions on Threats to Wildlife Tourism in Two State Protected Areas in Zimbabwe

Abstract:

The study sought to determine tourist perceptions on the threats to the sustainability of wildlife tourism using a

case study of two state protected areas in Zimbabwe. Using close-ended questionnaires, we collected data from

128 tourists in December 2015. Results show respondents generally perceived all the seven tested threats as

serious, i.e., illegal hunting, destruction of wildlife habitats, human-wildlife conflict, lack of involvement of local

people in national park tourism, lack of benefits from the national park to local communities, negative attitudes

towards tourism by local residents, and poor local community and national park relationships. Moreover,

respondents generally had similar perceptions on the impacts of the threats on the sustainability of wildlife tourism

regardless of their gender, age, level of education and income. We conclude tourists are more environmentally

conscious and well informed of the threats to wildlife tourism in Zimbabwe, which may indicate willingness to

support conservation. It is thus necessary for park management to promote local people participation in

ecotourism, enhance innovative law enforcement measures as well as motivate tourists to participate in

conservation. Results could help broaden policy decision-maker's knowledge base in response to sustainable

wildlife tourism development challenges.

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