1874-9496/09 2009 Bentham Open Open Access “Biodiversity and International Tourism: A Story of Comparative

Abstract: We analyze whether biodiversity is increasing the receipts of tourism and thus is beneficial for developing countries (DCs). The underlying assumption is that a rich biodiversity provides a comparative advantage for most DCs. We use a simple trade theory framework. The model is supported by an empirical analysis. The main findings are that first DCs, being abundant of biodiversity, seem to have a comparative advantage in (sustainable) tourism, that second inci-dence of birds as the probably best explored taxonomic group has a positive impact on inbound tourism receipts per cap-ita, and that third the rate of endangered to total birds is negatively influencing tourism receipts. We draw some cautious policy conclusions. Key Words: Tourism, economic growth, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation. 1