Tourism and Recreation

Tourism plays a significant role in boosting the economy of many countries, especially in those that are blessed with natural wonders and beauty.

Coral reefs are one of the natural wonders in the world’s oceans and their beauty has been the driving force of tourism interests in many tropical countries. People from all over the world would travel to tropical countries with coral reefs to enjoy the cultural services in the form of recreational opportunities, such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom-boat viewing, that this ecosystem provides.

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Glass-bottom-viewing; Source: Sharmsmile.com

According to the World Resources Institute, more than 100 countries and territories benefit from tourism associated with coral reefs, and in more than 20 of these countries, this form of tourism contributes more than 15 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Specifically in the Philippines, tourism associated with coral reefs accounts for an estimated 2 percent in GDP annually before Typhoon Haiyan struck in 2013. Tourism rate has been affected since then but reported to be recovering quickly.

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Hope given to the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan; Source: The Telegraph