Posted on 30 June 2017

Part of a 2–year initiative, this research and analysis project explores the benefits of investing in low–impact, high–value Sustainable Nature and Adventure–based Tourism (NABT) vs. Mass Tourism in the Coral Triangle.

Overall, this latest report reinforces and provides additional detail on the clear long–term benefits of investing in NABT over Mass Tourism in areas of Medium to High Conservation Value, or with significant potential for NABT.

It finds that investing in NABT at suitable sites throughout the Coral Triangle could deliver a potential US $1.46–US $1.88 trillion per annum in total Socio–Economic and Environmental value by 2035 at an average Weighted ROI of 14.5–16.5% (vs. 8.5–10% for Mass Tourism).

These average Weighted ROI figures indicate that NABT outperforms Mass Tourism by, on average, more than 60–65% over a 20–year period.

This forecast value includes the potential US $159 – US $204 billion of Direct Economic Value originally identified in the baseline analysis undertaken in late 2015.

This project is part of the 'Developing and Promoting Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism in the Coral Triangle' initiative. A multi–year approach to Sustainable Tourism development being implemented by WWF with funding and support from the Australian Government.