BIRDWATCHING TOURISM IN ESTONIA

Enterprise Estonia in co-operation with OÜ Kumari Reisid and State Nature Conservation Centre presents:

On 27th of November 2007 at 11.00 network seminar in Matsalu National Park (Nature Centre) in Penijõe

BIRDWATCHING TOURISM IN ESTONIA

Number of tourists, who has a deep interest in especially birdwatching and nature tours, has increased impetuously over the past decade. This is a very qualitative and responsible branch of tourism. Tour packages are made and sold mostly by specialized travel agencies. Tours are organized to different countries all over the world, including Estonia. Estonia is foremost attractive because of it’s well-preserved nature and coign of vantage in terms of location and climate. Our landscapes are still habitats for rare birds of prey and our seacoasts for millions of migratory birds.

What are the possibilities for birdwatching and nature tourism in Estonia- view from outside?

Is it only a vision or already functioning reality?

Can the image of Estonia be “Green and sustainable”?

Is nature tourism hindering or supporting the objectives of nature conservation?

What kind of co-operation and networking have to be developed already today in order to prevent threats tomorrow?

What kind of developent activities have to be planned on national level?

These are the questions that need to be answered jointly during the seminar.

10.30 Arrival, coffee

11.00 Opening words / J.Tuusti, State Nature Conservation Centre, head director

11.10 Future of birdwatching and nature tourism in Estonia. How to market and to which countries? G.Broddelez, Belgia (Tour leader, operator and screenwriter of nature films)

12.00 Birdwatching and nature tourism help to design the image of Estonia. Experience of Estonian Nature Tours in the international market / M.Mann, Kumari Reisid OÜ travel agency

12.30 Who are the customers for birdwatching tourism and what are they interested in when coming to Estonia? Experience of a bird guide / M.Kose, University of Tartu Pärnu College, researcher on implementation of natural resources

13.15 Lunch

14.00 Ethics in birdwatching tourism. What are the threats and co-operation possibilities on a national level? I.Ojaste / State Nature Conservation Centre, specialist in protection of species

14.45 Development of birdwatching tourism in Finland, experience of Finnature / U.Matturi, nature tourism expert, Avescon

15.30 Coffee break and workshops. Preliminary action plan on the priorities of birdwatching tourism development projects will be determined during the workshops / T.Tarma, Enterprise Estonia, consultant on tourism product development

17.00 Results of the workshops / T.Tarma ja M.Mann