A new scientific report that is set to be released by the South African Institute of International Affairs, indicates that predator breeding using lions and other species could cost South Africa a more than R54bn (€3.17bn) loss in tourism brand attractiveness over the next 10 years.
The Economics of Captive Predator Breeding in South Africa delves into the economic and brand-perception effect of the burgeoning lion bone trade, canned lion hunting, cub petting and ‘voluntourism’ on brand South Africa. It also looks at the growing ‘voluntourism’ trend as a driver of job losses for the local working market.
According to the Daily Maverick, the report is the first to quantify the significant potential losses to Brand South Africa. “Concerns about the future of lion hunting and breeding are being noted at the highest level, and next week Parliament will hold a two-day colloquium to hear a range of viewpoints.”
Read the full article from the Daily Maverick here.
