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Does Absence of Charismatic Species Impact the Ecotourism Potential of Central Mediterranean Islands? 160

been either developed or face anthropogenic disturb- Thus limiting ecotourism experiences on target species
ance (Deidun, 2010). Sandy beaches in particular are is risky since no matter how large the abundance of spe-
highly sought after and thus such habitats experience cies is, observing target species during excursions is not
tremendous human pressure (Deidun, Azzopardi, Saliba always successful. This is in fact also emphasised by
& Schembri, 2003). The diversification of ecotourism operators ahead of excursions (EcoMarine Malta, 2018).
targets and the resulting possibility to practise such Hence, the approach of revolving ecotourism experiences
form of tourism beyond coastal areas is thus an oppor- around the broader aspect of biodiversity that goes bey-
tunity to provide other tourism opportunities and ease ond solely targeting charismatic species is also advant-
the pressure from sandy beaches and coastal environ- ageous from this perspective.
ments. Whereas according to Garrod and Wilson (2004) the
One should note that most participants of the eco- strict competition in the ecotourism market makes it
tours had already participated in other ecotours and challenging to attract repeat visitors, a number of eco-
visited other protected areas including those in destina- tourists participating in the ecotours revisited the eco-
tions synonymous with the “big 5”. This might explain destinations convincing other friends to join them. This
why ecotourists did not underline the absence of large together with other results such as the high level of sat-
charismatic species as a major limitation or leaving a isfaction of ecotourists, willingness to participate in sim-
negative impact on their satisfaction. This is because ilar ecotours on other Mediterranean islands and willing-
research has shown that tourists who already had previ- ness to recommend the destination to friends confirms
ous experience in visiting protected areas are more likely the potential of ecotourism in the region irrespective of
to appreciate and support initiatives that promote a the absence of large charismatic species.
broader biodiversity experience which goes beyond cha- Various concerns have been raised by stakeholders
rismatic species only (Giglio et al., 2015; Hausmann et on the negative impact on charismatic species includ-
al., 2016). Meanwhile one should not limit marketing ing those in marine environment due to anthropic im-
to experienced ecotourists. Hausmann et al. (2016) ar- pacts. Such concerns concord with research conducted
gue that while experienced tourists tend to be the target in the Pelagian Islands confirming that the increased
group of tourists in protected areas lacking charismatic and intense traffic of boats during the summer period
species, less experienced tourists had preferences which (especially between May and October) leads to acci-
were not restricted to such species. Thus, they could still dental collisions (Prazzi, Nicolini, Piovano & Giacoma,
be attracted to such sites by focusing on biodiversity re- 2010). This also causes disturbance to the bottlenose
lated activities related to less charismatic species and dolphin which in return causes their displacement from
landscapes, accessibility of protected areas, the oppor- coastal areas (La Manna, Manghi, Pavan, Lo Mascolo
tunity to avoid crowds and the overlap with adventure & Sar`a, 2013, 2014). In addition, prolonged and close
and cultural aspects. contact of humans with charismatic species can leave
Alien species are considered as a threat to habitats detrimental impacts (Weaver, 2005). Failure to ensure
and their biota and can cause significant changes not sustainability of fisheries and the good health of the seas
only in marine environments (Wallentinus & Nyberg, is considered to be a major flaw in Mediterranean mar-
2007) but also in freshwater ecosystems. The spread of ine governance leading to drastic impacts on charismatic
alien species can also leave an impact on charismatic species (RAC/SPA, 2013).
species. A classic example is the impact left follow-
ing the release and extensive spread of the red swamp 5 Conclusion
crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Maltese watercourses
leaving an impact on the indigenous Fresh water crab This research has shed light on lack of charismatic spe-
(Deidun et al., 2018) which is considered as a charis- cies and its impact on ecotourism potential on islands,
matic species. an aspect which has not received any attention in the
Lack of wildlife sightings do not necessarily influence central Mediterranean region. It has been confirmed
the satisfaction of overall ecotourism experience (Orams, that the absence of charismatic species is not a detri-
1999b). There have been times where target species mental issue hindering ecotourism potential. On the
were not observed during the excursion, but ecotourists other hand various other approaches being adopted or
were still enticed by the species and related conservation proposed have conservation benefits including giving
projects to the extent that they also contributed finan- due attention to the broader biodiversity rather than fo-
cially to support the protection of the species (Deemer, cusing on few charismatic megafauna. Results have mar-
2014). Meanwhile there have also been times where lack keting implications especially since nature-based tour-
of wildlife sightings did contribute to cause dissatisfac- ism is growing world-wide with more and more tourists
tion among ecotourists (Lawton, 2012; Muloin, 1998). visiting protected areas. Marketing efforts need to fo-
cus on both experienced and inexperienced ecotourists

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