"Our world’s caves are places of wonder, mystery and majestic beauty. Show caves around the world are embracing their role in protecting and preserving caves and providing a place for people to learn about these special, natural, cultural and historical resources.

Show caves also play another important nature tourism role of sustainable economic development, providing jobs, and helping the economy of their regions.”

ISCA ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF COVID-19 SURVEY

Frasassi/Genga-Italy (December 10, 2020) — While recent news has been consumed with huge layoffs at large name brand theme parks, little has been said about the scope of loss in smaller entertainment venues that rely on travel and tourism for their livelihood.

One of those industries is represented by the International Show Caves Association (ISCA). Show caves around the world protect and preserve caves and provide a place for people to learn about these special, natural, cultural, and historical resources. There are more than 1600 show cave businesses throughout the world.

ISCA surveyed show caves worldwide and the sampling represented 1/16th of the worlds’ show caves. The first goal of the project was to establish a baseline for the significance of the show cave industry worldwide and to educate the world on how show caves contribute to the global economy. The second purpose was to find out to what degree the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted show caves, employees, the economy, and our mission of preservation, conservation, and creating interest in our subterranean world.  The third goal was to highlight protocols, the show cave industry implemented to keep employees and visitors healthy and safe.

Brad Wuest, President of ISCA and a co-owner, President/CEO of Natural Bridge Caverns, located in San Antonio, Texas said, “Show caves play an important role in nature tourism and sustainable economic development, providing jobs, and helping the economy. We all know this to be true, but the data had never been collected to quantify the significance of the show cave industry on a worldwide basis, Wuest said. “We hope these results will create more awareness and support for the show cave industry.”

Click here to see a video of ISCA President, Brad Wuest announcing the results.