Implications of the ‘high-value, low-volume’ approach in conservation and tourism resources management

Abstract

With the promotion of the high-value, low-volume tourism strategy (HVLV), Botswana’s tourism industry continues to record steady growth in an ever-increasing competitive market. However, indications are that the HVLV tourism strategy has changed Botswana’s tourism landscape, resulting in a domination by international tourism of the consumption of the country’s nature-based tourism offerings compared to the domestic market. This imbalance has led to an unreliable and unsustainable tourism development approach. Using data from previous studies carried out by the authors and secondary data sources, this chapter, adopts a qualitative study design and uses sustainable tourism development underpinnings to analyse the implications of the HVLV tourism strategy on conservation and tourism resources management. Results indicate that, although the HVLV tourism strategy has contributed to community livelihoods and the conservation of tourism resources, it has also yielded unintended consequences by stifling and limiting the domestic market from consuming Botswana’s most sought-after destinations. Furthermore, the HVLV tourism strategy has contributed to enclave tourism development. While the call for low-volume takes care of resources’ conservation, the high-value part excludes locals, compromising principles of sustainability, social equity and justice. Due to the unintended repercussions of the HVLV strategy, the chapter proposes the promotion of domestic tourism to nature-based tourism sites during the low season to cater for seasonal variations created by international tourism. However, this should be within acceptable limits to avoid destroying the tourism product the country is renowned for. Furthermore, the country should promote tourism to other less popular areas to spread the benefits of tourism to other parts of the country.