A new report by the IUCN says increased tourism to national parks can greatly support their protection, so long as it is properly managed. In a new report, Tourism and Visitor Management in Protected Areas: Guidelines for Sustainability, the IUCN gave the example of Wilderness Safaris, whose annual concession fees for safari camps in Africa in 2014 provided governments with over US$4.4 million towards protection of these protected areas.

In contrast, between 1994 and 2012, says the report, there was a 28.7% decrease in the number of visitors to national parks in Canada, and in 2012 the government cut funding and staff to the parks.

“Unlike other industries and human-driven activities, tourism in protected areas can be a strong positive force – increasing a sense of stewardship and revenues that are vital for the long-term protection of these important conservation areas,” said Dr Yu-Fai Leung, the chief editor of the report and member of the IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group.

“By contrast, reduced visitor numbers to protected areas can signal a lack of political interest or public support. The guidelines provided in this report are intended to strengthen current visitor management systems, including measures on how best to protect these key natural and cultural assets.” (Source: World Travel & Tourism Council)