This conclusion first summarizes the current and prevailing business models of elephant tourism by outlining the lessons learned about the supply and demand for such tourism, before moving on to consider the various pressures to comply with, but also break away from, many existing business models.

The COVID-19 pandemic had major and rapid consequences for tourism, ending almost all activity and causing immense problems for elephant tourism. This postscript provides an early review of the evolving situation. It looks at the effects of COVID-19 on international tourism and on elephant tourism...

The welfare and protection of captive Asian elephants are pressing issues for global tourism businesses. Finding a viable solution that will protect the integrity of the destination and business, the welfare of elephants and the livelihoods of mahouts is a priority, but, until now, initiatives have ...

The village of Sauraha in Nepal is a principal entry point to Chitwan National Park and has been influenced by multiple events over the past few years, affecting the local tourism dynamics and specific tourism products like elephant-back safaris. The global debate on animal welfare visibly...

This chapter focuses on social media roles and their impact on elephant tourism in Thailand. A preliminary analysis is presented of data gathered from digital platforms such as websites, blogs, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using content analysis methods. Topics include the issue of unethical...

The research presented in this chapter determines the value that tourists on safari in protected areas in South Africa attach to elephant sightings and the relative importance of the elephant sighting compared with the other species in the Big Five. The study also determines whether tourists take...

This chapter presents a case study that examined the narratives told about elephants at tourist venues in Phuket, Thailand, and what these narratives communicate to Thai and foreign tourists as appropriate beliefs, values and actions regarding elephants. The observed attractions in Phuket presented ...

This chapter presents the results of interviews with people involved in the elephant camp business in Thailand regarding how elephant camps can be better managed and what makes for success. Interview questions included: How have elephant camp managers responded to the changes in animal welfare...

This chapter presents the results of a visitor study undertaken in an 'elephant transit home' (ETH) in Sri Lanka. This ex situ conservation programme offers a unique experience of viewing rescued elephants that are raised and ultimately released to their natural habitat. The study (i) examines the...

Mahouts Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a UK charity and Thai-registered foundation that works on the ground to develop sustainable, welfare-focused tourist experiences to support the needs and livelihoods of traditional mahouts, their families and local communities, together with the needs of Asian...