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Davidson, Z.; Loveridge, A.; Smith, K.; Macdonald, D.
The Value of Lion as a Component of the Photographic/Non-Consumptive Tourism Market
2007 Conference Proceeding
The value of lion to photographic tourism was investigated using a survey of questionnaires put to tourists visiting lodges within and surrounding Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Responses elicited from subjective preference and contingent valuation indexes revealed that lions were indeed the most sought after animal in Hwange. Furthermore, tourism related revenue would suffer a 22.4% loss if there were no lions in the park. The value of lions (species at the population level) as a component of the photographic safari product offering was estimated at US$80,000.00 per lodge, per annum at the reduced volume of tourism prevalent in Zimbabwe today (occupancy average of 36%). Some tourists were prepared to pay an average of US$21.00 for a guaranteed lion sighting, although the method of providing a guarantee was not elucidated.
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