Page 358 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

334 Part VII

with a stick is one of the more harmless ‘recreational’ Continuous monitoring of all volcanoes is
pastimes that are posted on the internet. More impossible due to logistical, financial and political
seriously, as a consequence of the increasing restrictions; consequently, eruptions frequently
interest in volcano tourism, the time has come for occurring at poorly monitored volcanoes (Tilling,
scientists and tourism operators to join ranks to 1989) are not incorporated in risk reduction
achieve effective risk management and hazard programmes. Even if constant monitoring would
reduction to avoid major disasters which could be feasible there are volcanoes that suddenly and
involve large numbers of tourists. With the large unexpectedly erupt as did Chaitén in Chile in
number of active volcanoes worldwide, many of 2008. Because of the long time lapse since this
them already key tourist destinations, it is volcano was last active, which is estimated at
imperative that the potential dangers of active several thousand years, people were unaware that
volcanic and geothermal environments are not Chaitén could suddenly turn into a dangerous
understated. Although the associated risks of volcano. If Chaitén had been monitored though,
volcanic and geothermal activity are the same early warning signs could have been detected
attractions that promise a unique experience for a indicating a reawakening of the volcano. With the
very diverse group of tourists, many volcanic United States Geological Survey (USGS) being at
environments worldwide can be classed as extreme the forefront of information dissemination, other
environments – requiring the utmost care in their regions without risk strategies are well advised to
use for tourism. follow their lead and work together to be able to
It should be noted that the same cities that are include warnings and guidelines for all residents,
located close to active volcanoes are attracting as well as the transient population, in the future.
visitors not just for their volcanic landscapes, but While people’s actions when facing natural
for other reasons as well (e.g. culture, history, disasters reflect that these are often beyond their
festivals, shopping, wildlife etc.). Nevertheless, control due to economic and social constraints
although these visitors strictly speaking are not (Wisner et al, 2004; Gaillard, 2008), this is not the
volcano tourists they also face the potential case for temporary visitors who have the freedom
hazards of eruptive activity and they too are not to avoid potential disaster areas. Annual fatalities
catered for, as they are not permanent residents from volcanic eruptions, measured over the past
and therefore may not be familiar with any three centuries are still at an average of nearly
necessary emergency strategies. As a result, much 1000 people (Marti and Ernst, 2005), with possible
of what is written about volcanic risk perception catastrophic events in the future.
and people’s behaviour associated with volcanic Agencies in charge of disseminating
hazards and their adjustment to a volcanic information to tourists will gain more credibility
environment is based on local residents only, and if they cooperate with relevant authorities such as
while risk reduction strategies have been developed volcano observatories and emergency services,
for all major volcanic events, these generally do thus portraying the expertise necessary to reinforce
not include temporary visitors. This fact requires a the message. This strategy has been recommended
separate approach to risk management for tourists, by Perry and Godchaux (2005) to increase public
as significant danger issues as well as subsequent awareness of residents in volcanic areas. However,
insurance issues could arise. Current research into it is good advice for the development of safety
risk management in volcanic and geothermal areas guidelines for volcano tourists as well.
should be therefore reviewed to include temporary
visitors and their potential exposure to volcanic What do the experts say?
hazards. Increased interest in volcano and A small survey carried out by the authors amongst
geothermal tourism can also indicate a growing a group of geoscientists and volcanologists in
potential for accidents and injuries near these January 2009 (conference delegates at the Volcanic
active environments, as has been noticed by and Magmatic Studies Group (VMSG) meeting, a
Callander and Page (2003) with certain types of specialist group of the Geological Society of
adventure tourism in New Zealand. London in Bournemouth) provided information

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