Fonte: El Periplo Sustentable; Núm. 43 (2022): Número Cuarenta y tres; 469 - 498
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Resumo: In the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, the community of Holbox is currently considered one of the largest and fastest-growing sites in the world for tourism related to the whale shark Rhincodon typus. The present study aimed to determine the recreational value of “swim with whale shark” tourism in Holbox. Accordingly, 176 and 111 national and international tourists were interviewed, and their socioeconomic profile was determined and their level of satisfaction with their recreational experience. We use the dichotomous choice contingent valuation method, and an average willingness to pay (WTP) of US $ 120 for conservation activities was obtained. As a result, a net annual benefit from whale shark tourism of US $ 8.8 million was obtained. The study results show the high economic potential of tourism associated with this species in the Mexican Caribbean and the urgent need to strengthen the policies for granting licenses and entrance fees to protected natural areas.
