Free-roaming Animals as Stakeholders in Responsible Tourism Development: A Commentary
Free-roaming animals in tourism destinations present unique opportunities and challenges for
responsible tourism development. These animals can attract visitors to lesser-known locations,
revitalizing communities with tourism revenue. However, their ecological and societal impacts must
be considered. Invasive species like feral dogs and cats threaten local biodiversity, while human-
animal interactions pose risks of zoonotic disease transmission. Destination images can also suffer
from noise pollution, aggressive animal behavior, and unsanitary conditions. Effective management
of these animals involves integrating them as stakeholders in tourism planning, balancing their
welfare with the needs of ecosystems and local communities. This commentary explores how
responsible tourism principles can address free-roaming animals' ethical, societal, and ecological
complexities. The application of community-based tourism planning, stakeholder theory, and
innovative strategies are essential for fostering coexistence and transforming potential conflicts into
opportunities. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive frameworks
incorporating free-roaming animals into responsible tourism practices, ensuring their role as
stakeholders in sustainable and ethical tourism development.
Keywords: free-roaming animals, stray animals, stakeholder theory, community-based tourism,
community development approach