Daily Beast. (2019, August 1) Birding (Yes, Birding) is a Multi-Billion Dollar Ecotourism Industry Retrieved August 25, 2019, from, https://www.thedailybeast.com/birding-yes-birding-is-a-multi-billion-dollar-ecotourism-industry
Birding has now become a 41 billion dollar business in the United States. Every year, around 20 million Americans take birding related vacations or trips. Birding gives people a sense of community and unity whilst helping to protect and serve the environment. There are many favorite birding spots in the United States, most in or around national parks. A large number of popular birding places boosts the economy in small places that may have never seen the money without Birders. However, more and more Birders have begun going to other countries in order to witness a variety of different species. In order to avoid this, more and more companies are offering incentives for Birders and other ecotourists to stay in the United States.
This article demonstrates that there are many different sides to this topic. I for one would have never thought of Birding as a big contributor to ecotourism, but it is never the less. The article is well written, full of vital information, and often humorous. I like how the author incorporates their own personal experience with the topic, proving that Birding has a much larger reach than we may have previously thought. Birding, as painted by the author, seems to be a very good path for ecotourism.
I’m shocked as well that birding is such a large contributor to ecotourism. I also can’t believe that 20 million Americans take trips for specifically birding purposes. What places in specific are popular for birding in the United States and the rest of the world?
Like the author, I never really considered birding as a form of ecotourism. This just goes to show the broad spectrum of activities that an individual can participate in that are beneficial to the environment. I am curious as to whether birders send in their data to anyone to monitor populations. This may be a way to gather information on the biodiversity of birds on a larger scale.
I am surprised by the popularity of bird watching and had no idea it was such a large part of the ecotourism business. Do you know what incentives these American bird watching sites are using in order to entice visitors?
The sites entice visitors in two ways. The first being the local variety of birds. They mention the rarity of the local species or the sheer numbers of them for example. The second is that they offer deals like any organization/ company would.
I had no idea that birding was such a huge business in the US. I definitely agree now that birding is a great path for ecotourism. It’s great to hear that birding increases business in places that don’t have much else to offer. What are some possible negative consequences of birding?
I think the fascination in bird watching lies in the process. I would imagine the combination of the struggle and journey to find and observe different types of birds manifests into a very appealing activity for some. Do you have any other ideas or thoughts as to why birding has become so popular?
I agree that, Birding gives people a sense of community and unity whilst helping to protect and serve the environment. It is important to connect with nature and enjoy life.
The fact that people are venturing to other countries provides incentive for the Birding companies to be more competitive with one another in preserving certain environments where the people go.