High Number Of Tourists Research Articles

Interactive design of new media images and architectural space: taking Hangzhou as an example

ABSTRACT Traditional architectural space design often relies on fixed display boards, paper guides, and static displays. Viewers can only passively receive information and lack opportunities to interact with the displayed content, making it difficult to generate deep participation and personalized experiences. This article applied new media images into the interactive design of architectural spaces, transforming and innovating traditional architectural spaces, and providing audiences with a richer and more attractive spatial experience. The navigation service was set as the architectural space design goal, and analyzed using the Leifeng Tower building in Hangzhou as an example. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used to digitally model the Leifeng Tower building, accurately simulating the building structure, spatial layout, and landscape information. By adding virtual information annotations and navigation routes, tourists were provided with a more diverse and colorful architectural space experience. The experimental results showed that among 400 tourists, the highest number of tourists using augmented reality navigation was 204, and the average satisfaction score of tourists with augmented reality navigation reached 90. Moreover, presenting the guide content in a multimodal form can better enhance the spatial experience of tourists. The use of augmented reality in architectural spatial interaction design can enrich tourists’ perception and experience in the architectural space, enabling them to interact with the building in a more vivid and interactive way.

The Influence of the Tourism Sector on Labor Absorption in North Minahasa Regency

With continuous growth, the travel and tourism industry has become the largest. Both North Minahasa Regency and the Indonesian economy will benefit from this. This research aims to determine the extent to which the tourism industry influences labor absorption in North Minahasa Regency. For the purposes of this research, data from 2010 to 2021 was collected from secondary sources. This research uses multiple linear regression analysis as a quantitative method. This study concludes that although the number of accommodation and eating places has a small negative impact, the number of visitors has a significant positive impact. Additionally, there is a strong inverse relationship between the quantity of tourist attractions and their overall quality. The high number of tourists in North Minahasa Regency is caused by the presence of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in the area, all of which have an impact on labor absorption.

Influenza transmission during COVID-19 measures downscaling in Greece, August 2022: evidence for the need of continuous integrated surveillance of respiratory viruses.

After the near absence of influenza and other respiratory viruses during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased activity of mainly influenza A(H3N2) was detected at the beginning of August 2022 in Greece on three islands. Of 33 cases with respiratory symptoms testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 with rapid antigen tests, 24 were positive for influenza: 20 as A(H3N2) subtype and four as A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype. Phylogenetic analysis of selected samples from both subtypes was performed and they fell into clusters within subclades that included the 2022/23 vaccine strains. Our data suggest that influenza can be transmitted even in the presence of another highly infectious pathogen, such as SARS-CoV-2, with a similar transmission mode. We highlight the need for implementing changes in the current influenza surveillance and suggest a move from seasonal to continuous surveillance, especially in areas with a high number of tourists. Year-round surveillance would allow for a timelier start of vaccination campaigns and antiviral drugs procurement processes.

The Contribution of the Tourism Sector to the Regional Original Income of Maros Regency as a Favorite Tourism Destination

The purpose of the study was to determine what percentage of Maros Regency's overall revenue may be attributable to the tourism sector in the area, and to compute that percentage. For the purpose of this analysis, a methodology known as descriptive quantitative research was used. Quantifiable information was able to be extracted from the plethora of interconnected sources as a direct consequence of this. The results of this study indicate that the tourism business provides a significant contribution to the revenue of the towns that are situated within the Maros region. The huge number of travelers, both domestic and foreign, is evidence that the tourism industry, which includes the Rammang-Rammang Destination, is a popular tourist destination. This is shown by the high number of tourists.

Building a spatial decision support system for tourism and infrastructure planning: technical solution and data integration challenges

Mobility planning in rural areas with a high number of tourists is important for creating sustainable destinations. By identifying mobility gaps in the transportation system, measures to improve the situation can be implemented. In order to identify such mobility gaps, decision-makers need a spatial decision support system (SDSS). The aim of this paper is to identify vital aspects of creating such an SDSS and to build a prototype. Two important aspects were identified, data and system design. The result of the analysis of available data shows a lack of data portals with disaggregated socio-economic and intra-destination travel data. Further, it shows that data on points of interest (POI) and public transit data are primarily found in company databases. The system design analysis showed that most SDSS today are relying on public data and are not designed to integrate disparate data sources. They are primarily developed to be used by experts. Based on these findings an SDSS that automatically integrates both public and private data was developed. It comprises of a self-hosted web mapping system and several geospatial tools. Our main conclusion is that both data and system design are important aspects to consider when building an SDSS for mobility planning. By using the architecture proposed in this article, new data can easily be incorporated in an SDSS. Furthermore, the system design also facilitates the involvement of stakeholders in the planning process.

Pengolahan Sampah Berbasis Limbah Pantai di Pulau Lemukutan

The high number of tourists who come to Lemukutan Island has a significant impact on the volume of waste. This activity aims to instill and increase the knowledge of tourism managers and visitors in waste management. The method used is socialization through the coastal activity of the Lemukutan Island community with students by picking up trash. Furthermore, the waste is separated into organic, plastic, metal, and glass waste. The results of the action of picking up garbage around Lemukutan Island obtained 90 kg of organic waste, 45 kg of plastic groups, and 77 kg of garbage, plastic/mica drink bottles, cans, and glass. The organic waste obtained is then buried in the ground to become compost. The results of this program show public awareness of a clean and healthy environment, especially in the tourist destination of Lemukutan Island. The success of this program is supported by the togetherness of the community and universities in determining strategic steps to protect the environment of Lemukutan Island.

A touristic tale of four cities on instagram

Social media has become a basic source of information for visitors and its capacity to generate interest in touristic destinations gains relevance. This paper identifies elements capable of generating greater user engagement with the official accounts of four European capitals with a high number of tourists: London, Paris, Berlin and Madrid. Our findings, based on the 862 posts published by these cities on their Instagram accounts over the course of one year, show how various aspects of the content of these posts are crucial factors in generating engagement. They also reveal the potential of including in posts variables with elements of interaction between users’ contents and official accounts. Moreover, the variables that may generate the most engagement are identified, and both differences and illustrative similarities between the strategies implemented by the cities are noted. These results suggest not only interesting theoretical conclusions, but also important implications for the tourism sector.

Towards Foreign Tourist at Heritage Sites Using GIS: A Case Study of Lahore

Pakistan is potentially a good tourist destination for cultural and heritage overs because the Indus and Gandhara Civilizations, and a great Mughals heritage also exists in Pakistan particularly in Lahore city. Tourism is the fastest growing industry in modern world. This study is based on the number of foreign tourist who visited the heritage sites of Lahore. The purpose of the study is to examine the number of foreign tourist who visited the heritage sites of the Lahore at Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort and Lahore Museum and to find the tourism trend in Lahore whether it is declining or growing high. The secondary source of data was used and data was collected from archeology department, Lahore Museum and Pakistan Year Book of Statics 2014. Tools used for research purpose were Microsoft excel, Microsoft word and ARC GIS. The number of foreign tourists that visited Lahore fort were highest in 2006 i.e. 21,178 this is the highest number of tourists who visited Lahore Fort in 15 years and 2906 lowest number of foreign tourist who visited Lahore fort, at Shalimar Gardens highest number of foreign tourists was 8558 in 2000 and the lowest number was 309 in 2013 and at Lahore Museum in 7242 tourists is the highest number of Foreign tourist who visited museum in 2000 and the lowest number of foreign tourists that visited Lahore Museum was 1825 in 2010. The trend of foreign tourism in Lahore is declining after the incident of nine eleven due to terrorism. But now with the efforts of government and work of Walled city authority foreign tourism industry is growing in Lahore as it is the Queen of cities having major and attractive heritage places for tourist.

DETERMINING TOURIST’S CARRYING CAPACITY BASED ON ECOLOGICAL APPROACH IN TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PARK, MALAYSIA


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ARTICLE INFO
 Article History:
 Received: 9/3/21
 Accepted: 19/4/21
 Published: 31 Dec 21
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and a famous tourist destination in Sabah. The possible long-term negative impacts on the ecology and sustainability of the Park due to the very high number of tourists is of much concern to the Park management authority. This study was conducted to determine the ecological and tourism carrying capacity in three islands in TARP, Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi islands. The Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) concept is applied in this study, in which the results are expected to provide the Park Authority with data and effective management actions. Calculation of carrying capacity in this study was based on three distinct visiting patterns or seasons: i) Regular season; ii) High season, and iii) Festive season in order to ensure optimal tourists' satisfaction and revenue, while still maintaining ecological sustainability. ECC was calculated after considering the various limitations imposed by physical, climate, ecological, and management capabilities. Land and ocean areas were considered and calculated separately as they occupied different variables. Our findings showed that Manukan island recorded the highest ECC, while Mamutik and Sapi island shared almost similar ECC value. Optimization of Carrying Capacity (CC) in different seasons was also achieved with a few Correction Factor (CF) adjustments. It shows that Festive season recorded the highest ECC, followed by High Season and Regular Season. The ECC obtained was suggested to be implemented to TARP management as to preserve and sustain the ecological value of the Park.

SOSIALISASI, EDUKASI SERTA BAKTI SOSIAL DALAM GERAKAN PESISIR REDAM ABRASI DI PANTAI NAGA PERMAI GAMPONG SUAK PUNTONG KECAMATAN KUALA PESISIR KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Nagan Raya Regency is the Naga Permai beach area. The beautiful natural panorama makes the Naga Permai beach area a tourist attraction. The high number of tourists is inversely proportional to the quality of the coastline which is increasingly being eroded by abrasion, so more efforts are needed from the local government and also the community in protecting the coast from the threat of increasingly severe abrasion. The purpose of this activity is to provide socialization about the importance of managing coastal areas from the threat of large waves and fast coastal currents, as well as to provide an overview and consequences that will arise in the future if large waves and heavy currents are not anticipated and watched out for and provide direct examples to the community on how to maintain coastal areas in order to reduce the impact of abrasion. This service will be carried out using an approach method with lectures / mentoring. While the steps to solve these problems are by doing examples of social service. The output obtained is the emergence of awareness and initiative from café owners and visitors to maintain and preserve the shoreline from abrasion.

Surveillance for exotic fruit fly of the subfamily Dacinae (Insecta, Diptera, Tephrididae) and a review of the Dacinae established in Sydney, Australia, between 2010 and 2019

ABSTRACT Sydney has a high plant biosecurity risk due to the volume of international freight and postal items. Additionally, a high number of tourists enter Australia through Sydney. In 1995, an array of fruit fly surveillance traps was established to monitor for exotic fruit fly incursions. Here, the number of detections of the fruit fly subfamily Dacinae (Insecta, Diptera, Tephrididae) was reviewed for the period between 2010 and 2019. The results revealed that no exotic fruit flies were detected during this period. However, many established species were detected and species present were placed into international standards. Bactrocera tryoni, B. cacuminatra, Dacus absonifacies, and D. aequalis were classified as established due to a large number of specimens trapped. Sydney was likely to be an area of low pest prevalence for B. neohumeralis in some years and pest free in other years. Low numbers of B. bancrofti, B. brunnea, B. jarvisi, and B. mayi were trapped, and Sydney was likely to be classified free from these species based on international standards. Also, trapping records indicated that Sydney was free from D. newmani however this species was known to occur in inland NSW. Bactrocera bryoniae and B. endiandrae were likely to be incursions that did not establish in most years.

The Design of The Tuk-Tuk Lakeside Resort Lake Toba (Green Architecture)

The high number of tourists who come to visit during the holiday season comes to Samosir Island. However, the number of tourists who come to the island of Samosir and the number of accommodations available at this time have not been able to meet the high interest of visiting tourists. The design of the Tuk-Tuk Lakeside Lake Toba Resort is one way to help achieve the benefit of tourists visiting the current Samosir island for comfortable lodging facilities and still feel what it is like to return to nature. The research methodology begins with collecting data, studying literature, surveying the location of the research, and also designing problem-solving. In creating an object to be designed, the designer can carry out a variety of alternative design approaches, one of which is to approach the theme that will be used in the designation, Green Architecture. The selection of Green Architecture themes in buildings is considered capable of describing functions and describing culture. Approach to the idea that takes air circulation systems that do not use the air conditioner or ac that is applied to the main buildings of hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Air and contour on the land on the plains of the unspoiled island of Samosir can become local wisdom that can be utilized in designing Tuk-Tuk lakeside Danau Toba Resort.

Factors of variability in the accumulation of waste in a mountain region of southern Poland

The analysis of change factors in waste management in the period from 2012 to 2015 in three municipalities in a mountainous region of southern Poland exhibited strong differentiation. This was recognised based on multiple indicators of waste accumulation. Such differences were investigated between two periods, which highlighted the effect of changes in waste management primarily resulting from Directive 2008/98/EC. These changes relate to the development of selective waste collection based on eight types of waste. On this basis, an increase was observed in the amount of waste collected in the communities. Particular attention was paid to the community with the highest number of tourists, the waste accumulation rate (452.74 kg per capita) and the cost per year. An increase in the number of tourists is an important factor in terms of waste accumulation, and other factors made it possible to recognise the direction of the changes taking place in waste management. In terms of changes in waste accumulation, the implementation of the European Union law into the national law in the field of waste management is a significant factor.

THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTS AND HOSPITALITY SERVICES IN DRAGASH MUNICIPALITY

The purpose of this paper is to point out the quality of products and services in the business of tourist companies (Meka and Arxhena) in the municipality of Dragash, as well as their influence on the promotion of competitive advantages that will affect the creativity, breadth of product range, top service and quality, as well as branding. The apartments are located in a series that offer a complete service to guests. Hotel, as well as other companies in tourism, are exposed to significant and rapid changes, thanks to the quality of the business of the touristic ambiance. Subject research. The subject of the research is to determine the quality of products and services in the hotels Arxhena and Meka in the municipality of Dragash. This research includes the application of general elements, ie, the determinant of the quality of products and services (availability, warranty, communication, expertise, standard, service, safety, accountability, security); without which quality service would not be adequately completed. Research goals. Among the more important objectives of research in the research work are: • How satisfied are the tourists with tourist services in the hotel industry in the municipality of Dragash. • How much infrastructure does affect the development of hotel tourism in the municipality of Dragash. • What types of tourists use hotel services in hotel management in Dragash municipality according to their educational status. Research hypotheses. Based on these goals, the following hypothesis is posed: H1: Tourists are satisfied with tourist services in the hotel industry in the municipality of Dragash. H2: Road infrastructure will negatively affect the development of hotel tourism in the municipality of Dragash. H3: The highest number of tourists in the hotel industry in Dragash Municipality is with a high degree of education. Methods of research. In achieving these goals, different scientific methods have been used to: • Inductive method - allows you to arrive at the conclusion based on the characteristics and facts obtained by the inductive method of conclusion. • A deductive method - making conclusions based on specific facts and laws, anticipating future events, and others. • Methods of analysis and synthesis - embracing concepts on their simple parts, analyzing each part in particular. • Comparative method - comparisons or perceptions of differences, common features, similarities, etc. • Descriptive method - a description of the current situation in tourism. The mathematical-statistical method was used in the processing of the sample of the research. In this research, we use the survey method to conduct this research. The obtained results will be processed by statistical analysis and as such will be shown through several tables and graphs. In the process of collecting data we used secondary sources such as: books, websites, various publications, magazines and brochures. Method of choice, size and design of the sample. The sample of respondents includes persons of all ages, professional qualifications, gender and civil status, the questionnaire refers to the provision of services at the Meka and Arxhena Hotel in the municipality of Dragash. The study was conducted on a sample of 98 respondents. The test instrument was designed in the form of a questionnaire containing 12 questions, and the answers are rounded off. The study lasted three months. Time and place of research realization. The place where the research was conducted is the municipality of Dragash. In the research we tried to include two hotels (Arxhena and Meka). Methodologically, these two hotels will dominate the research. Special attention is paid to hotels, products and services, tourist and geographical position of the municipality of Dragash and analysis of research results. Dragash municipality is characterized by limited accommodation capacity, which are not fully used.

A GIS-based analysis of tourist distribution in Montenegro

Montenegro is facing significant changes in tourist turnover. Tourism activity has become increasingly more skewed toward the Montenegrin coastal area, which confirms the concern about regional inequality of tourism. This study analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of foreign and domestic tourists in Montenegro, based on spatial statistical tools as a set of Geographical Information Systems. The results indicated that during the analyzed period (2007–2016), the spatial distribution of domestic and foreign tourists was different. Main geographical center of foreign tourists is Budva and of domestic tourists is Cetinje. There was apparent uneven dispersion of tourist demand between Coastal (on the south) and Northern region. Moreover, the results revealed tourist distribution clusters in order to identify the tourism centers with the highest number of tourists in different geographical areas of Montenegro. Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution is a very important tool for the reduction of regional economic inequality. Also, the results of the spatial distribution of tourists can be used for the forecasting of future tourist behavior.

TÜRKİYE İLE TÜRK CUMHURİYETLERİ ARASINDAKİ TURİSTİK HAREKETLERE COĞRAFİ BİR BAKIŞ

The aim of this study is to investigate tourist movement between the Turkey and other Turkish states. The study will be a descriptive research, focusing on the discovery of the dimensions of the existing tourist movements and what can be done to improve these movements. In the study, data of TurkStat will be used. The global tourism industry is growing day by day. Looking at the data for 2017, it is seen that the number of tourists in the world is 1 billion 322 million and the money spent for this sector exceeds 1 trillion 250 billion US dollars. The international dimension of modern mass tourism is affected by various geographical and economic factors such as political relations, climate, cultural ties, opposites, relative costs and distance. It attracts the most tourists in the world semi-arid Mediterranean climate in the region is located to the south and west coasts of Turkey. This region is expected to attract more tourists from the Turkish States as well as Europe and Russia and Ukraine. However, the number of tourists coming to our country from these countries is low. Especially with the dissolution of the Soviets, the citizens of the former Soviet countries began to go to various countries more frequently for purposes such as education, trade and tourism. Turkey and other Turkic states include cultural ties dating back thousands of years. In this respect, Turkey among those countries with the development of tourism is expected. Turkey is seen as three sides except for the Turkic states bordering the Caspian lake is surrounded by sea, while a country is deprived of the sea. This situation is an important contrast between our country and the Turkic states and can have a positive impact on the development of tourism. In terms of relative costs is quite low compared to income of citizens in our country the situation Turkic republics, is a factor that negatively affect the making of their holiday in Turkey. So the situation in Turkey in terms of purchasing power of earnings and the earnings of their own countries constitute a table at their expense. For this reason, those who come to our country as tourists work in various jobs. The impact of the distance on tourism between the Turkic republics and Turkey are positive. Because the road with some of these countries and Turkey with all the air is not too far away. This creates advantages for tourists in terms of time spent on the road and the resources allocated for transportation. The political relations between Turkey and the Turkic republics which has started in the early 1990s, are generally good. Turkophone are care about the development of political relations with the outside world, especially Turkey. Naturally, the goodness of political relations affects human mobility positively by visa and travel convenience. In terms of cultural ties, political relations, a number of factors as theoretical as opposites are expected to increase tourism between Turkey and the Turkic states. In terms of relative costs, it is a negative situation. However, despite many positive factors between Turkey and Turkic republics are said to be at a good level of tourism activity. According to the data of 2017 only a total of 32.410.034 million tourists coming to Turkey 1.730.413's ie 5,3 % came from the Turkic states. The same year, only 4,3 % of their way to the Turkic states nearly 9.2 million people who went abroad from Turkey. Azerbaijan is a country with a relatively high number of tourists. However, the number of tourists going to other countries is extremely small. This shows that our country does not develop as much as the tourism power between Caucasus and Central Asian Turkic states such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The reasons for this situation must be scrutinized, the problems must be removed, and the environment necessary for the development of mutual touristic movements among these related communities should be established. Taken tourist movements between the former Soviet countries as well as in the Turkish Republic and Turkey, it is understood that sent more tourists from Russia, Ukraine and Georgia to Turkey. Among the Turkish republics, Azerbaijan is a notoriously old Soviet country with relatively many tourists. Outbound tourists from Turkey are turning out more than Georgia and Azerbaijan. Other former Soviet states can not take too many tourists from Turkey market.

Sustainable Agrotourism Curating by Conferring Community Involvement in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

The highest number of tourists’ arrivals recorded in Cameron Highlands was 728, 121 people. In 2014, the number declined by 30% due to landslide events. The main question for this paper is what can be implemented into the tourism strategic planning that may benefit local communities and promote sustainable tourism development in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands. The lack of sustainable practice has caused the highlands to degrade and the incentives for agriculture increases in parallel with unequal benefits for locals. There are two key socio economic sustainable tourism concepts which are; community involvement in decision-making and community involvement in tourism benefits sharing being proposed in this paper. Four sets of interview questionnaires were formulated based on 4 components of respondents. Based on the results, this research highlighted that the decision-making process are to be made jointly with the government and local authority in consultation with the community representative. Amongst the recommendations is fair-trade scheme of equity in payment is for locals to benefit off tourism businesses involved in agriculture to protect their working and living environment and gain control over their future. The success of the two concepts requires commitment from all parties.

PERCEIVED TOURISM IMPACTS IN PINDUL CAVE, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA

Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia is experiencing significant increase in its visitors due to the massive development of its tourism objects, especially natural ones such as caves and beaches. Pindul Cave is one of the most prominent tourism object in Gunungkidul which is also visited by a high number of tourists although it was just opened in the late 2011s. Therefore, by conducting interviews with locals and the management as well as observation to collect data, this study investigated the perceived impacts of tourism in Pindul Cave. The analysis results show that the residents have positive attitudes towards socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impact although they also perceive negative impacts such as the way of employee’s recruitment by the management and the degradation of environment in the cave. However, these negative impacts are perceived minor by the residents so that, overall, they perceive that the development of tourism in Pindul Cave is positive.

Seismic loss estimates for buildings in Bucharest's historic centre in case of another 1977 Vrancea earthquake

As past seismic events showed, Bucharest (capital of Romania) can be significantly affected by another intermediate depth (or subcrustal) Vrancea earthquake. The 1940 (Mw 7.7) and 1977 (Mw 7.4) earthquakes put the number of casualties in Bucharest over 1600. Although most people and authorities are aware of the exposure, the mitigation actions are still improper and there is actually a very uncertain image of the current damage extent. The paper provides scientifically based answers, through quantitative earthquake loss estimation based on recently developed analytical methods, applied for buildings in the historic centre of Bucharest. The approach offers a relevant picture of the actual possible damage distribution after an earthquake similar to the 1977 event, in an area with heavy traffic and a high number of tourists. The Improved Displacement Coefficient Method used in this study relies on the description of structural behaviour within different limits due to specific ground motion parameters like spectral acceleration. The 358 buildings in the study area are assessed individually and specific vulnerability curves are assigned to each typology, based on height, construction year and material. The same classification as in the Near Real-Time System for Estimating the Seismic Damage in Romania is used. The results are evaluated in order to be further included in the system. In addition, an empirical loss assessment procedure reflecting the economic impact of the previously calculated situation was employed. Relevant maps for mean damage ratio and economic losses are presented and interpreted.

Attitudes towards marine mammal conservation issues before the introduction of whale‐watching: a case study in Aruba (southern Caribbean)

ABSTRACT Effective conservation management requires a solid understanding of social and economic factors, in addition to biological factors affecting what is to be conserved. Aruba is one of the most densely populated islands in the Caribbean and its already high number of tourists is still increasing. No commercial whale‐watching operations are offered yet on the island. This provides a rare opportunity to document knowledge of and values concerning marine mammals before the introduction of whale‐watching operations. In 2010, a survey was conducted to investigate the awareness and attitudes of resident Arubans (n = 204) and tourists (n = 198) towards marine mammals and their conservation on Aruba. Knowledge of the local marine mammal community was low for both groups. Most participants would support more stringent legislation for protecting marine mammals in Aruba. Overall concern regarding threats to marine mammals was high and oil spills, chemical pollution, litter and sewage were identified as the most serious threats. A large proportion of residents (84.2%) and tourists (83.6%) were interested in, and willing to pay for, viewing marine mammals. Both groups preferred to see marine mammals in the wild rather than in captivity. This is the first study that investigates the attitudes of people towards marine mammals and their conservation in a country that does not have marine mammal related tourism yet. This study suggests that strong support for marine mammal conservation issues does not critically depend on detailed knowledge of the local marine mammal community, or on the availability of whale‐watching operations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.