Development and ranking of tourism management goals for Wolong and Wanglang Giant Panda Nature Reserves, China

Abstract

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleucais) is an endangered species with a high-profile international image. Its profile is heightened through its use by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) as a symbol of conservation. To protect the giant panda and its habitat, the Chinese government established 33 nature reserves between 1962 and 2002, with a total area of 5,830 km2. There are about 1,590 wild giant panda protected and managed in their natural habitat in China. The Wolong and Wanglang Nature Reserves in the Minshan Mountains of Sichuan Province have thriving populations of giant pandas and, recently, have seen large increases in tourism. Neither of these reserves have formal tourism management goals or plans. This research used a literature review to develop tourism management goals and a Delphi method applied to reserve managers, scientists and park visitors to develop and prioritize the goals for these reserves. The research found that the tourism management goals developed from the international literature were applicable in this specific situation involving a charismatic, endangered species in China. It also revealed that prioritization amongst many applicable goals can also be achieved. This is the first time that tourism management goals have been developed for the giant panda reserves in China. It is also significant that these goals were developed using the opinions of three key groups involved in research, resource management and tourism at the reserves.