Showing papers in "Journal of outdoor recreation and tourism in 2013"

Trends in camping and outdoor hospitality—An international review

Abstract: The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, versatile recreation experience, valued at different levels by different segments. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialization, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. The paper offers contemporary insights into a sector overlooked by researchers in recent times. It examines key international trends including changes in nomenclature and products, while describing the various patrons that frequent this sector.

Links between nature-based tourism, protected areas, poverty alleviation and crises—The example of Wasini Island (Kenya) ☆

Abstract: Nature-based tourism in protected areas of low-income countries can contribute to regional economies, reduce poverty, and help to develop rural areas. This study analyses the situation on Wasini Island, a peripheral island neighboring the Kisite Marine National Park on the southern coast of Kenya. An economic impact analysis was undertaken for the two island settlements of Mkwiro and Wasini village. Firstly, the difference in the participation in nature-based tourism is striking. For Wasini village, the results show an increased income from tourism, which has led to population growth and improved standards of living. Secondly, the comparison of two main tourism enterprises operating in Wasini village shows that tourism per se does not necessarily contribute to poverty-reduction; it is the tourist businesses' ties with the local economy that matter. Thirdly, the study finds that tourism has made other livelihoods, such as small-scale fishery and subsistence agriculture, nearly redundant. This paper also considers the impact of crises emanating from outside the island. In such a situation local economies can be more resilient if the local population can revert to earlier subsistence based modes of production. Management implications • Focus on a close relationship with the local population and participatory development of management options. • Install fair institutional arrangements. • Facilitate the opportunities of nature-based tourism with essential training in business skills, guiding and production of local goods and handicraft. • Encourage community members to avoid a total dependence on nature-based tourism by maintaining a subsistence economy for times of crises. • Communicate that locally embedded tourism development takes time and is unlikely to improve local economy immediately.

Assessing hiking trails condition in two popular tourist destinations in the Icelandic highlands

Abstract: Nature-based tourism in the fragile Arctic environments is emerging as a major environmental concern, mainly due to extreme seasonality in these locations, the lack of suitable infrastructures and planning, and its interference with fragile ecosystems. In Iceland tourism has increased exponentially during the past decades, causing more environmental impacts on the country's natural recourses. Hiking is one of the most popular tourist activities in Iceland, especially in the interior highlands. This study had two goals: to map the current status of hiking trail conditions in two popular tourist destinations of the southern highlands, Þorsmork and Fjallabak Nature Reserve (FNR); and to examine the relationship between trail condition assessment and local physical properties, such as elevation, gradient, soil type, and vegetation cover, in GIS. The current status of the hiking trails is much worse in the Þorsmork area, where over 30% of the trail system is classified as being in bad and very bad condition, compared to 12% for the FNR. Of the analyzed physical properties only elevation has a clear relationship with hiking trail condition in both study sites and gradient in the Þorsmork area. Importantly, severe conditions never apply to a whole trail, suggesting that trail conditions are a function of trampling magnitude and local physical properties. Hence, when maintaining hiking trails in vulnerable environments, such as the Icelandic highlands, a holistic understanding of the environmental impact of trampling is critical. Management implications When nature-based tourism enters very fragile environments, good monitoring techniques become even more important. Such is the case on hiking trails in the highlands of Iceland, where the study produced the following findings: • Monitoring the conditions of hiking trails is vital for understanding the major causes of trail degradation in the Icelandic highlands. Implementing a visual field assessment with a condition scale based on simplified classification system, a whole trail system can easily and cost-effectively be monitored and changes recorded. Visual interpretation of the spatial patterns of a trails' condition can further aid managers to identify problem areas and to avoid this type of area in future planning. • During new trail design, steep slopes should be avoided as trampling easily intensifies solifluction and thus contributes to soil instability and soil erosion. In flat areas trails should be designed so hikers do not easily walk off the trails and thus increase the area of their impact. • Inevitably, the number of users contributes the most to trail degradation. Therefore in the most vulnerable areas of the highlands the flow and number of tourists should be restricted. • Gathering high resolution geographical data for use in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are important in order to monitor and track changes of hiking trail conditions. The possibilities to analyze spatially distributed data and relationships between variables further provides better understanding of cause and effect regarding tourism impact in sensitive natural environments.

Place attachment and recreation experience preference: A further exploration of the relationship

Abstract: Place attachment and recreation experience preferences (REP) have received increasing attention in natural resource management, with previous literature ( Anderson and Fulton, 2008 , Kyle et al., 2004 ) indicating that REP predicts place attachment development. This study expands current insight into the relationship between the two concepts. Specifically, we tested two predictive models: the first explored the influence of REP dimensions on place attachment dimensions as tested in previous research; the second explored the influence of place attachment dimensions on REP dimensions alluded to, but not tested, previously. Contrary to expectations, our results did not support the model in which REP predicts place attachment development. Interestingly, our results support the second model and indicate that select place attachment dimensions predict REP dimensions. This positive influence of place attachment on REP dimensions empirically supports the notion that attachment to a setting may influence motivations to visit that setting. Specifically, findings suggest that meaningful social relationships nurtured within the resource encourage visitors to learn, be more knowledgeable, or teach about the resource, and experience quiet, solitude and personal growth. Additionally, respondents’ dependence on the resource motivates them to be among others like themselves. Overall, our findings suggest the complexity of REP–place attachment relationships. Management implications Place attachment has emerged as one important concept in recent outdoor recreation research. Managers should be aware that both the influence of experience on place attachment and the relationship of place attachment on the motivation to visit matter and influence each other. Exploring the relationship between place and recreation experience preference may enable resource managers to gain new insights and help further understand the development of visitor motivations. These insights can contribute to more appropriate site development, including social interactions and exchange of knowledge.

Understanding non-traditional forest recreation: The role of constraints and negotiation strategies among racial and ethnic minorities

Abstract: This study examined and compared the perceived constraints and use of constraint negotiation strategies of non-traditional national forest recreationists (those who reported their race and ethnicity to be other than Caucasian). The study provides insight into the reasons why ethnic groups might not participate in forest recreation as often as Caucasian users. Data were collected through an on-site survey of visitors at the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF), an urban-proximate forest near Seattle, Washington, USA. Non-traditional users were divided into two groups: Asians and other subcultures. Overall, Asians tended to be more constrained than the “other” non-traditional users, who in turn were more constrained than the traditional Caucasian visitors. Cultural and information-related reasons were more constraining for non-traditional users. Constraint negotiation strategies most commonly employed by the non-traditional users involved time management approaches such as planning ahead, setting aside time for outdoor recreation activities, and trying to fit recreation around other commitments. Managers of forest recreation sites near urban areas should be aware of the different cultures visiting the forests, and make concerted efforts to encourage different ethnic and racial groups to visit. Efforts focusing on better information and transportation options may be most effective in helping non-traditional users to pursue forest recreation opportunities. Management implications This study provides valuable information to outdoor recreation managers who wish to understand diverse user groups. Historically, ethnic and racial minorities have not recreated in the US outdoor recreation areas at the same rate as Caucasian (traditional users). With a growing, diverse US population, it is imperative to land agency managers that they remain relevant to this non-traditional segment of our society. Managers can engage non-traditional users by understanding the socio-demographic makeup of existing and potential recreation users. In addition, it is important that managers understand what constrains existing and potential users, and how various segments of our society differ in their perceived constraints. Finally, outdoor recreation managers should strive to understand the most effective methods of engaging various and diverse outdoor recreation users and potential users. Managers will have the opportunity to learn about what is most important to non-traditional users, and how non-traditional users differ greatly, and must be thought of as distinctly different and important stakeholders.

Outdoor recreation – A necessity or a luxury? : Estimation of Engel curves for Sweden

Abstract: Income constitutes one important constraint for the degree of participation in outdoor recreation. The effect of this constraint can be measured by the income elasticity of outdoor recreation deman ...

Visitor experiences across recreation settings: A management or measurement issue?

Abstract: The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) has been widely applied; however, studies that have examined setting–experience relationships have found mixed results. When studies found significant relationships, they often measured preferences for settings across visitors grouped by similar motivations, whereas studies not finding a relationship often tested motivation scores across ROS classes at the study site. These contradictory results might be a methodological issue. Through an onsite survey at a winter recreation area with distinct ROS-based management areas, we blended aspects of the two approaches by incorporating experience at the site and normative definitions of crowding into our operationalization of experience. Only one of the nine Recreation Experience Preference (REP) scales varied across the three ROS classes at our site, but with a small effect size (.06). However, visitors with higher levels of previous visits were more likely to choose more primitive ROS settings. Analysis of encounters and perceived crowding suggested those preferring the more developed ROS classes had higher normative standards for crowding. Results suggest that while the means of the REP scales might not vary across ROS classes, the desired experience is setting dependent. Future research conducted with site-specific studies should continue to focus on refining the operationalization of experience. Management implications The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) has been widely applied as a zoning, inventory, planning and management tool, and is a fundamental concept for Experience-Based Management to provide opportunities for a diversity of recreation experiences. Yet research comparing evaluations of the [subjective] experience between users of different zones has produced few significant differences. Our results provide an explanation of previous contradictory findings. Despite the physical differences between ROS classes, users perceive the outcomes remarkably similar, but the production of the experiences is as intended by the management. • Results confirmed the utility of the ROS as a management tool. • Monitoring should expand in scope beyond one single dimension of defining the experience.

Testing a mediation model of customer service and satisfaction in outdoor recreation

Abstract: This paper examines a model of customer service and satisfaction in the outdoor recreation experience. More specifically, it focuses on the question of whether domain-level satisfaction mediates the relationships between specific customer service attributes and the overall evaluation of an experience. Data were collected through a nationwide assessment of customer service at US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) lakes. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at 10 COE lakes located throughout the United States ( n =2933 completed interviews). The survey instrument measured three levels of visitor satisfaction (19 individual attributes, four domains, and overall satisfaction). Study results supported the hypothesized model by confirming the relationships between individual customer service attributes, satisfaction within customer service dimensions (or domains) and overall satisfaction. The influence of some items, however, overlapped across multiple dimensions. The relevant items accounted for between 29% and 41% of the variance associated with satisfaction within the customer service domains. In turn, satisfaction within the domains explained 15% of the variance in overall satisfaction. Management implications Visitor satisfaction is one of the fundamental concepts in outdoor recreation. This research investigated the relationship between subjective evaluations of overall client satisfaction with several of its components. Results suggest the following insights for managing outdoor recreation areas to improve visitor satisfaction: • Findings underscore the importance of maintaining and improving the esthetics of recreation areas. Feelings about the appearance of the area were the strongest predictor of satisfaction with facilities, and influenced satisfaction in the other domains as well. • Current and accurate information was found to be the most important determinant of satisfaction with information services, highlighting the need for recreation managers to continually review and update information provided to the public. • Surveys of customer satisfaction in outdoor recreation areas should not only consider tangible indicators of facilities, services, and information, but also intangible aspects of the outdoor recreation experience. Factors such as the opportunity to recreate without crowding affected visitors' feelings of satisfaction with facilities and services as well as their satisfaction with their overall outdoor recreation experience.

Strategic and temporal substitution among anglers and white-water kayakers: The case of an urban regulated river

Abstract: Urban recreational landscapes, including rivers, are subject to increased demands for energy production as well as other uses. Recreationists apply a range of behavioral strategies to achieve and maintain their preferred experiences and outcomes as much as possible in these ever changing environments. Although resource and activity substitution are well known coping strategies for recreationists, less is known about strategic and temporal substitution. We studied how whitewater kayakers and salmon anglers applied strategic and temporal strategies to cope with a highly variable river environment due to hydro-peaking, a production scheme that may become increasingly common as hydropower is combined with other sources of renewable energy. We identified a range of behavioral strategies that recreationists use to better cope with frequently changing water levels, including ad-hoc and planned temporal substitution and tactical and spatial substitution. While kayakers used mostly temporal and spatial substitution, anglers applied tactical substitution, such as changing gear and tackle, and improving their skills specifically in response to unfavorable conditions. Future research should seek to confirm and expand the investigation of temporal and strategic substitution to other recreation activities and to other countries and regions. Management implications The study highlights a range of useful, cost-effective mitigation alternatives supported by outdoor recreationists. The mitigation strategies will become more relevant in the future, as policies and licenses for hydropower generation are currently reviewed in many countries. The societal demand for different types of renewable energy has increased the demand for water impoundment facilities when implementing hydro-peaking for electricity generation during peak periods of demand. The relicensing process provides opportunities to better address the multi-functional demands on regulated rivers and to reduce negative impacts of hydropower generation. Increased and formalized contact between users and the hydro company, better information, and physical modifications are all highly relevant mitigating measures that would enhance the suitability of the study area for recreation within the existing regulation regime, with several of these measures specifically improving temporal substitution.

Using the recreation opportunity spectrum to evaluate the temporal impacts of timber harvesting on outdoor recreation settings

Abstract: Sustainable forest management certification is an important development in forestry. It requires the evaluation of forest management plans, including recreation outcomes, to assess their performance over time. This poses a challenge for jurisdictions that do not have reliable data about outdoor recreation participation. In the absence of such data, and in management environments constrained by limited resources, a pragmatic tool is needed to measure and forecast outdoor recreation settings and opportunities. We quantify the impact of forest management activities on recreation opportunities based on the use of an existing management tool, the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS). We describe the development and testing of a new GIS-based approach to delineate ROS classes from potential timber harvesting activities, and identify potential impacts of forest harvesting activities on recreation settings. This application of a temporally dynamic, spatially explicit approach allows us to measure the diversity of recreation settings and to evaluate the impacts of timber harvesting on recreation opportunities. A comparison of two forest management scenarios suggests that, without a priori identification and protection of vulnerable ROS classes, primitive settings may be systematically lost over time. Management implications This paper presents a novel method for assessing the diversity of outdoor recreation settings in a commercial forest using a temporally dynamic application of the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS). The advantages for management are the following: • The method enables the evaluation of different forest management scenarios and their effects on outdoor recreation for various defined planning horizons. • It enables managers to integrate outdoor recreation settings into planning at a very early stage. • It facilitates the integration of outdoor recreation into certification processes such as SFM. • The method is particularly useful in large areas of managed forests that lack quality data about outdoor recreation use and characteristics, but are committed to the maintenance of backcountry condition, because the approach is able to quantify and forecast outdoor recreation settings and associated opportunities. The addition of the temporal element achieves this and addresses one of the main criticisms of the ROS.

A heuristic framework for reflecting on protected areas and their stewardship in the 21st century

Abstract: The diversifying and increasing expectations for protected area services and functions provide great opportunity to enhance the relevancy of conservation for civil society. At the same time, such expectations, occurring in a dynamically complex and uncertain world, also provide numerous challenges. In this essay, we propose that constituencies involved in protected area stewardship need to attend to ways of making sense of this complexity and uncertainty and build awareness of the particular social, political and environmental context as a precursor to decision making. We suggest that conceiving of protected areas as a complex social–ecological system helps in sense-making. And we propose a framework focusing on the three variables of learning, managing relationships with constituencies and managing demand that would be helpful in developing the situation awareness needed to better understand the opportunities and consequences involved in decisions about various challenges. Recognizing that elements of this framework do appear in the literature, we argue that considering them together provides a more effective diagnostic framework for stewardship and enhancing system resiliency.

Balancing public access and privacy in developed coastal zones: Factors influencing attitudes towards potential management options

Abstract: The coastline of south eastern Norway is mostly privately owned and largely developed with homes and cabins. Public rights of access are permitted in what are defined as ‘outfield’ areas. However, public access may be difficult due to the location of developments, the blurred legal distinctions between outfield and infield areas and a lack of adequate recreational management. This project examined the social interactions between waterfront dwellers and local day visitors and the potential for improving recreational management in the study area of Saltnes on the Oslo Fjord in Norway. All households in Saltnes were surveyed (259 responses) to explore how local inhabitants (i.e. shoreline visitors, potential visitors and waterfront dwellers) perceived different potential management measures for improving private–public co-existence along the waterfront area. The study also investigated the extent to which the dichotomy between the need for access and the need for privacy influences attitudes towards different management measures. The multivariate structural equation model (SEM) contained two sets of manifest exogenous variables for respondent characteristics and four latent endogenous variables identifying four possible management options. The two options most favoured by respondents were Onsite information and Physical preparation , both of which were significantly more popular than Guiding boundaries and Access restrictions . The provision of Onsite information was regarded positively by both visitors and waterfront dwellers, and thus probably has the best potential for improving co-existence and co-operation between the two groups. Management implications When attempting to improve cooperation and co-existence in a potential conflict situation between local visitors and waterfront dwellers in shoreline areas, the following management recommendations should be considered: – A management solution should be based on local contextual knowledge. – Onsite information, identifying accessible and in-accessible areas along the shoreline are most preferred and accepted by visitors, potential visitors and dwellers alike. – Physical preparations, such as boardwalks, are well accepted by the visitors and potential visitors, but perceived more negatively by waterfront dwellers. – Guiding physical boundaries, like fences, and access restrictions cannot be recommended. – Planning processes should explicitly consider the requirements of potential visitors who are less acquainted with local conditions. – Private landowners should be integrated in the planning process at an early stage if planning measures are likely to affect their properties.

Understanding written comments on mail questionnaires: A rhetorical analysis ☆

Abstract: Informed by social constructionist philosophies and discourse theories, this paper presents a rhetorical analysis of comments written by respondents on mail questionnaires obtained in a survey of Vermont permanent and seasonal residents. A notable feature of the comments was their assertiveness, and so rhetorical analysis – the study of persuasive communication – was used to study the structural forms, nature of arguments and claims, and stylistic features of the texts. The inductive analysis revealed six types of text organization that varied in levels of rhetorical discourse. Different kinds of argumentation strategies and claims were associated with each form, and distinct linguistic styles were used to embellish the arguments. This study advances interpretive discourse analysis in outdoor recreation research, illustrating how people use language strategically in an effort to achieve effects in readers, and informs managers who draw insight from survey research. Management implications How should researchers and managers interpret the comments written by respondents on mail questionnaires? This paper describes a process of discourse analysis that theorizes survey research as a rhetorical situation in which respondents and researchers are separated in time and space. This research will sensitize researchers and managers to the discursive qualities of survey research, showing how written comments provided by survey respondents can take various structural forms, and use identifiable claims and styles. Analyses of these discourses can help strengthen survey research by offering new ways to analyze remote communications in recreation resource management and tourism, and offer nuanced appreciation of how people interact with resource places.