Tourists' perceptions of environmental impacts of tourism development on water resources in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

• Published in: African journal of hospitality, tourism and leisure tourism and leisure, 2017-05, Vol.6 (3)
• Main Authors: Owen Musora, Professor Joseph. E Mbaiwa, Dr Mike Murray-Hudson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: environmental impacts; perceptions; Tourism development
• ISSN: 2223-814X

The Okavango Delta is a unique inland water system supporting tourism development in Botswana. While the ecological integrity of the wetland remains intact, there are signs that it is being slowly eroded by increasing anthropogenic pressures like tourism activities. This study describes tourists’ perceptions of environmental impacts of tourism activities in the Okavango Delta in a way to enhance wetland resources management. Sustainable tourism framework informs the study with emphasis on environmental sustainability. Primary data were gathered through field-based research using participative observation, semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Secondary data were collected from intensive review of various studies, journals and reports. Results show that sampled tourists (70) neither agree nor disagree (mean of 3.17 and s.d of 0.926) that tourism activities may be causing environmental impacts in the Okavango Delta. 35.2% of tourists who agreed highlighted concerns like pollution (noise from boats, aircraft, tourism vehicles, generators), speeding of boats creates large waves which damages plants and disturbs animal and birds breeding grounds. There is potential for water contamination improper disposal of liquid and solid waste. The main determinants of environmental impacts may be poor enforcement of management strategies, lack of financial and human resources and incorporation of tourism accommodation facilities in conservation. The environmental condition of the Okavango Delta is relatively pristine but tourism growth is exerting pressure. This suggests that management strategies must be reinforced, monitored and implemented to achieve sustainable tourism development.