Page 29 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

6 Introduction

all age groups and all socio-cultural and educational In active regions volcanoes are among the primary
backgrounds. Apart from people with a general drawcards for visitors, whereas in dormant areas
interest in nature and outdoor activities the they possibly play a more secondary role and are
following list gives a brief overview of tourist often combined with other attractions to increase
types generally encountered in volcanic and visitor numbers and length of stay. Wildlife viewing
geothermal environments: (Yellowstone National Park), skiing (New Zealand)
and hot spring bathing (Japan) are some examples
• tour groups and individuals (domestic and which add extra value to volcano tourism.
international visitors); During interviews at various sites with volcano
• couples, families and retirees; tourists domiciled in non-volcanic areas several
• adventurers and thrill seekers; main attitudes towards volcanic hazards were
• scientists and students; identified: a) an active volcano is a must-see
• hikers, trekkers, climbers, skiers; destination at least once in a lifetime; b) [they
• repeat visitors (mountain collectors); hope] nothing will happen while they are there
• geotourists and ecotourists; and [near an active volcano]; c) they rely on having
• photographers, writers. enough time to get to a safer area in case of an
eruption; d) they would not live near an active
Volcanoes are described by Lawrence (1997, p209) volcano if they had a choice. The last finding is in
as having an incalculable aesthetic value with direct contrast to many residents in volcanic
some people seeking spiritual renewal in their regions who either choose to live close to an
presence. The motives for visiting volcanic and active volcano or who have no choice at all in
geothermal environments are as varied as the where they live.
visitor types and commonly there is a combination A research paper by Gaillard (2008) confirms
of more than one reason given by volcano tourists. that what is written about risk management
The reasons listed below reflect some of the measures relates either to community-based
possible visitor motivations: disaster and risk management (Bankoff et al, 2004)
or is based on citizens’ risk perception of natural
• sightseeing, part of trip agenda, leisure activity; hazards in general (Davis and Ricci, 2004). Both
• mountain climbing, hiking, general outdoor types of assessment leave out millions of temporary
activities; visitors (e.g. volcano tourists) to active volcanic
• ambition and curiosity, photography; and geothermal environments every year.
• collecting information, field research;
• scientific interest, study, education; and
• collecting rock samples. The top ten attractions in volcanic
and geothermal areas
Other reasons may include the spontaneous The most sought after visitor attractions in
decision to do something unusual to fill in time or volcanic environments include observing active
the opportunity to gain access to an area that was lava flows from as close as possible, preferably after
inaccessible/out of bounds at a previous time. dark for the visual effect, and strombolian eruptions
Travel to and within remote regions has become from a reasonably safe distance; both desires
easier, information is more readily available and adding to the problems of risk management
people are looking for a different experience. around active volcanoes. The risk perception of
Some countries have opened their borders, while individuals can be severely influenced by the
political instability in others is sealing off access to excitement of being close to an active volcano and
places of interest. Some countries and regions have may reduce alertness, as well as the level of
built part of their economy on the revenue from necessary caution that they should observe. Listed
tourism, often based on or including visits to below are ten popular volcanic and geothermal
volcanic and geothermal areas, for example, Iceland, attractions which are most appealing to visitors of
New Zealand, Japan, Hawai‘i and Central America. these unique natural environments:

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