Collaborative Schemes for Anticipating Negative Impacts of the Tourists’ Visit

Abstract

The purpose -The aim of this paper is to propose alternative schemes for anticipating possible negative impacts in nature-based tourism attractions. The area used as case study is called 'Rammang-Rammang', Maros regency of Indonesia. A new tourism attraction potentially reduces the quality of the environment and possibly impacts the socio-cultural life of the host people. Thus, it is necessary to investigate such impacts and recommend approaches or strategies that can tackle possible negative consequences of tourism activities. Design/methodology -This paper is based on a qualitative study conducted in 2015. Qualitative research is relevant in understanding the complexity of social life. Social research entails discovering the meanings that people assign to their reality. It is particularly appropriate in the case of developing destinations in areas not used to tourist visits, yet assumed to be eager to improve their well-being. Finding -The study reveals that the increasing numbers of visitors potentially degrade the quality of the environment. Although economic benefits are obtained by the host people, collaborative efforts by different stakeholders are required to tackle potential negative consequences. Originality of the research -Host people should be given knowledge to tackle negative impacts as well as skills for getting involved in tourism. This paper has developed two schemes for collaborative work among different stakeholders. This paper is expected to contribute to ideas and concepts about anticipation and mitigation of future negative impacts of the tourists' visit when developing new nature-based tourism attractions.