1. Event Eco-Tourism with an Eye Towards Hungary: Lessons From Florida Karen Chambliss, Michael H. Slotkin, and Alexander R. Vamosi Florida Institute of Technology School of Management

2. Introduction In 2001, FL Tech and BUTE were awarded a US State Dept Educational Partnership Grant The Partnership seeks to address Hungary’s urgent environmental problems AND to promote market-based policies Eco-Tourism provides a means towards conserving lands and wildlife while uplifting regional living standards

3. Introduction, Continued FL Tech School of Management Faculty have participated in several economic impact studies dealing with a new genre of Event Ecotourism— Birding & Wildlife Festivals (BWFs) This paper, mirroring the Grant Partnership, explores whether the BWF theme can be successfully transplanted to Hungary, and in so doing, serve as a catalyst for eco-tourism in rural, eastern Hungary (where unemployment is higher and per capita incomes are lower)

4. Introduction, Continued Mike—The impact of birding and wildlife viewing nationally, within the state of Florida, AND Florida BWFs Alex—Why Hungary is suitable candidate for the transplantation of this idea Karen—Some insights we have garnered from BOTH our Florida BWF experiences AND our exchanges in Hungary

5. Birding & Wildlife Watching According to a 2001 US DoI Report:  66 million Americans aged 16 and older engaged in wildlife observation  Yearly spending totals $38.4 billion  Birding or birdwatching comprises the largest share (about 80 percent) Wildlife watching “trips” numbered about 22 million

6. Wildlife Watching in Florida According to a 2001 FFWCC Report:  About 3.25 million people engaged in some form of wildlife observation in the State of Florida  The economic impact totaled $2.9 billion for Florida’s economy  Net effect: creation of 28,400 jobs

7. Birding & Wildlife Festivals (BWFs) 3-4 day celebrations of birds and wildlife Utilize NWR’s, NPs, SPs, protected lands Emphasize indigenous plants & wildlife Carry a flavor of local culture and heritage Seek to educate through workshops & seminars Birding lies center stage…but other participatory activities (canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding) are included Focus on conservation and respect for the environment

8. BWFs, Continued SCBWF (Aggressive Economic Impact; $300k)  Brevard County (MINWR, PINWR, Canaveral National Seashore)  Comparatively large budget via “guarantor” FPBWF (Moderately Aggressive Impact; $100k)  Gulf & Franklin Counties (St. Vincent NWR, St. Marks NWR, Apalachicola NF, St. George Island SP)  Fundraiser for the St. Joe Wildlife Sanctuary FKBWF (Less Aggressive Impact; $50k)  FL Keys (limited budget, educational focus, raptor migration, Key Deer, snorkeling, etc.)

9. Potential Benefits Derived from a Hungarian BWF To be held at Hortobágy-Tisza Lake Area  Serves as a catalyst for other ecotourism and cultural-heritage activities  Prompts follow-up or add-on visitation  Inculcates entrepreneurial “risk-taking”

10. Why Hungary? Hungary has the potential to be a major player in the European birding and wildlife viewing market Strong Commitment to Nature Conservation Diversity of Species (animal and flora) Existing Ecotourism/Cultural Programs  birding tours well-established  rich endowment of cultural capital

11. Hungary’s Geography Located in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe Size and population comparable to:  Indiana (area = 93,000 sq km)  Michigan (population = 10.1 million)

12. Hungary’s Commitment to Nature Conservation Protection of Forests 1426: Considerate use of the Forests 1790: Regulations preventing deforestation 1879: Law on Forests Protection of Wildlife 1729: Edict to regulate hunting 1901: Widespread legal protection of bird species Law on Forests & Nature Conservation (1935) 1939: Nagyerdö or Great Forest 1973: Hortobágy National Park

13. Hungary’s Extensive Conservation Program Protect lands: 2 million + acres 1,125 Regional Conservation Districts 38 National Landscape Conservation Areas Protected species: 535 plant & 855 animal 10 National Parks created in last 30 years

14. Hortobágy National Park - Tisza Lake The Hortobágy, considered to be the richest birding locale in Hungary, has been a World Heritage Site since 1999 81,000 hectares of protected wetlands and puszta Tisza Lake, a man-made reservoir adjoining the Hortobágy, is sanctuary to 150 + bird species

15. Diversity of Wildlife 42,000 animal species Great Bustard Redshank

16. Diversity of Animal Species Saker Falcon Elk drinking from an ox-bow lake in Gemenc

17. Diversity of Flora 3,000 plant species Yellow Wood Violet Pygmy Iris Variegated Crocus

18. Current State of Ecotourism (birding) Guided bird tours offered by prominent international ecotour companies  Probirder  Wings Birding Tours  Sarus Bird Tours  Birdwatching Breaks  Sakertour Lack of detailed information  Profile of the foreign ecotourist?  Size of industry?  Economic Impact?

19. The town of Tokaj and the Tisza river. Placid home of the famous Hétszölö estate vineyards, where world-class Tokaj wines are produced. Széchenyi Baths and Swimming Pool in Budapest Renowned Thermal Baths and Wine Country

20. Lessons Learned Use BWF to increase emphasis on ecotourism in Hungary  Enhance stature as tourist draw  Uplift Hungarian living standards Pursue aggressive economic impact model To include fundraising for National Parks

21. Success Defined Introduce Hungary to broader subset of visitors interested in nature: BWF as vehicle to introduce vast natural resources of Hungary Showcase cultural diversity and rich history NOT a panacea for under-developed ecotourism industry nor a savior for Hungary’s rural poor

22. Insights from Florida In U.S. planning/actualizing consumes nearly a year – Hungary’s 1 st BWF may take 18- 24 months Organization comprised of 4 specific areas: Obtain approval to use protected areas Identify primary festival organizers Create environment to attract volunteers Secure sufficient funding

23. Cash Flow & Funding Seed money required for proper timing of cash flows Potential sources of funds: Guarantor – entrepreneur, government agency, or foundation? National and local governments: In-kind contributions (use of lands and experts and advertising)

24. More Potential Sources Media: newspapers, birding magazines, radio, and television stations Businesses Tourism development agencies Polluters

25. Hurdles to Overcome A successful ecotourism event in Hungary faces hurdles in three primary areas: Financing – not likely an entrepreneur Bureaucracy – response time, attaining commitments in timely manner Infrastructure – language, amenities, roads and transportation make travel time longer

26. Concluding Remarks Ecotourism supports protection of nature Benefits local communities  Increased employment opportunities through generation of green incomes  Educates tourists & locals about need to protect natural & cultural values Hungary has potential to be a major player in European bird & wildlife viewing market Hungary’s conservation record noteworthy & consistent with ecotourism mores and values