Tourist Characteristics Influence Outcomes When Feeding Australian Humpback Dolphins in South East Queensland, Australia

Abstract

: This study of visitor response to a dolphin-feeding tourism experience showed that satisfaction with closeness to the dolphins is an expectation and desired outcome of the experience, and should be considered in terms of best practice, better management and in re-thinking existing experience structure and design. If wildlife experiences are not well structured and within a context of a code of best practice, and guidance is not given in situin how to behave after participation, it is likely that the conservation benefits of the experience will be lost. Experiences should be orientated to deliver adequate closeness to the wildlife with effective interpretation, which, in turn, can be influential on visitor satisfaction and enjoyment and in the long term, can bring conservation benefits for the wildlife and associated environment.