Event Eco-Tourism with an Eye Towards Hungary: Lessons From FloridaKaren Chambliss, Michael H. Slotkin, and Alexander R. Vamosi

Florida Institute of Technology

School of Management

IntroductionIntroduction

• In 2001, FL Tech and BUTE were awarded a US State Dept Educational Partnership Grant

• The Partnership seeks to address Hungary’s urgent environmental problems AND to promote market-based policies

• Eco-Tourism provides a means towards conserving lands and wildlife while uplifting regional living standards

Introduction, ContinuedIntroduction, Continued• FL Tech School of Management Faculty have

participated in several economic impact studies dealing with a new genre of Event Ecotourism—Birding & Wildlife Festivals (BWFs)

• This paper, mirroring the Grant Partnership, explores whether the BWF theme can be successfully transplanted to Hungary, and in so doing, serve as a catalyst for eco-tourism in rural, eastern Hungary (where unemployment is higher and per capita incomes are lower)

Introduction, ContinuedIntroduction, Continued

• Mike—The impact of birding and wildlife viewing nationally, within the state of Florida, AND Florida BWFs

• Alex—Why Hungary is suitable candidate for the transplantation of this idea

• Karen—Some insights we have garnered from BOTH our Florida BWF experiences AND our exchanges in Hungary

Birding & Wildlife Birding & Wildlife WatchingWatching

• According to a 2001 US DoI Report: 66 million Americans aged 16 and

older engaged in wildlife observation Yearly spending totals $38.4 billion Birding or birdwatching comprises the

largest share (about 80 percent)

• Wildlife watching “trips” numbered about 22 million

Wildlife Watching in Wildlife Watching in FloridaFlorida

• According to a 2001 FFWCC Report: About 3.25 million people engaged in

some form of wildlife observation in the State of Florida

The economic impact totaled $2.9 billion for Florida’s economy

Net effect: creation of 28,400 jobs

Birding & Wildlife Festivals Birding & Wildlife Festivals (BWFs)(BWFs)

• 3-4 day celebrations of birds and wildlife• Utilize NWR’s, NPs, SPs, protected lands• Emphasize indigenous plants & wildlife• Carry a flavor of local culture and heritage• Seek to educate through workshops & seminars• Birding lies center stage…but other

participatory activities (canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding) are included

• Focus on conservation and respect for the environment

BWFs, ContinuedBWFs, Continued• SCBWF (Aggressive Economic Impact; $300k)

Brevard County (MINWR, PINWR, Canaveral National Seashore)

Comparatively large budget via “guarantor”

• FPBWF (Moderately Aggressive Impact; $100k) Gulf & Franklin Counties (St. Vincent NWR, St.

Marks NWR, Apalachicola NF, St. George Island SP) Fundraiser for the St. Joe Wildlife Sanctuary

• FKBWF (Less Aggressive Impact; $50k) FL Keys (limited budget, educational focus, raptor

migration, Key Deer, snorkeling, etc.)

Potential Benefits Derived Potential Benefits Derived from a Hungarian BWFfrom a Hungarian BWF

• To be held at Hortobágy-Tisza Lake Area Serves as a catalyst for other ecotourism and

cultural-heritage activities Prompts follow-up or add-on visitation Inculcates entrepreneurial “risk-taking”

Why Hungary?

• Hungary has the potential to be a major player in the European birding and wildlife viewing market

• Strong Commitment to Nature Conservation

• Diversity of Species (animal and flora)

• Existing Ecotourism/Cultural Programs birding tours well-established rich endowment of cultural capital

Hungary’s Geography

• Located in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe

• Size and population comparable to:Indiana (area = 93,000 sq km)Michigan (population = 10.1 million)

Hungary’s Commitment to Nature Conservation

Protection of Forests

1426: Considerate use of the Forests

1790: Regulations preventing deforestation

1879: Law on Forests

Protection of Wildlife

1729: Edict to regulate hunting

1901: Widespread legal protection of bird species

Law on Forests & Nature Conservation (1935)

1939: Nagyerdö or Great Forest

1973: Hortobágy National Park

Hungary’s Extensive Conservation Program

• Protect lands: 2 million + acres

• 1,125 Regional Conservation Districts

• 38 National Landscape Conservation Areas

• Protected species: 535 plant & 855 animal

• 10 National Parks created in last 30 years

Hortobágy National Park -Tisza Lake

• The Hortobágy, considered to be the richest birding locale in Hungary, has been a World Heritage Site since 1999

• 81,000 hectares of protected wetlands and puszta

• Tisza Lake, a man-made reservoir adjoining the Hortobágy, is sanctuary to 150 + bird species

Diversity of Wildlife42,000 animal species

Great Great BustardBustard

RedshankRedshank

Diversity of Animal Species

Saker Saker FalconFalcon

Elk drinking from an Elk drinking from an ox-bow lake in ox-bow lake in

GemencGemenc

Diversity of Flora 3,000 plant species

Yellow Yellow Wood Wood VioletViolet

Pygmy Pygmy IrisIris

VariegateVariegated Crocusd Crocus

Current State of Ecotourism(birding)

• Guided bird tours offered by prominent international ecotour companies Probirder Wings Birding Tours Sarus Bird Tours Birdwatching Breaks Sakertour

• Lack of detailed information Profile of the foreign

ecotourist? Size of industry? Economic Impact?

The town of Tokaj and the Tisza river. Placid home of the famous Hétszölö estate

vineyards, where world-class Tokaj wines are produced.

Széchenyi Baths and Swimming Pool in

Budapest

Renowned Thermal Baths and Wine

Country

Lessons Learned

• Use BWF to increase emphasis on ecotourism in Hungary Enhance stature as tourist draw Uplift Hungarian living standards

• Pursue aggressive economic impact modelTo include fundraising for National Parks

Success Defined

Introduce Hungary to broader subset of visitors interested in nature:

• BWF as vehicle to introduce vast natural resources of Hungary

• Showcase cultural diversity and rich history

• NOT a panacea for under-developed ecotourism industry nor a savior for Hungary’s rural poor

Insights from Florida

In U.S. planning/actualizing consumes nearly a year – Hungary’s 1st BWF may take 18-24 months

Organization comprised of 4 specific areas:

• Obtain approval to use protected areas

• Identify primary festival organizers

• Create environment to attract volunteers

• Secure sufficient funding

Cash Flow & Funding

Seed money required for proper timing of cash flows

Potential sources of funds:

• Guarantor – entrepreneur, government agency, or foundation?

• National and local governments: In-kind contributions (use of lands and experts and advertising)

More Potential Sources

• Media: newspapers, birding magazines, radio, and television stations

• Businesses

• Tourism development agencies

• Polluters

Hurdles to Overcome

A successful ecotourism event in Hungary faces hurdles in three primary areas:

• Financing – not likely an entrepreneur

• Bureaucracy – response time, attaining commitments in timely manner

• Infrastructure – language, amenities, roads and transportation make travel time longer

Concluding Remarks

• Ecotourism supports protection of nature• Benefits local communities

Increased employment opportunities through generation of green incomes

Educates tourists & locals about need to protect natural & cultural values

• Hungary has potential to be a major player in European bird & wildlife viewing market

• Hungary’s conservation record noteworthy & consistent with ecotourism mores and values