Scientific Literature: Searchable Database

The report gives information on the outcome of a study on whale-watch tourism in West Scotland in the summer of 2000. Four sets of interview surveys were conducted with a total of 32 boat operators, 8 visitor centers, and 324 tourists on whale-watching trips. In addition 673 tourists and 189 residents were interviewed to record the perceived importance of the industry for the local community and tourism in general. The survey showed that the majority of whale-watchers in W. Scotland are well-educated, middle-class, mature and British. The majority only became aware of cetacean trips when they arrive in the region, while 23% come tot he region specifically for WW. 241,952 tourists and 115 jobs are involved in WW in W Scotland. In remote coastal areas whale-related tourism accounted for as much as 12% of the areas total tourism income. The total income generated by whale tourism in rural West Scotland was estimated at 7.8 million pounds.