Identifying the effects of COVID-19 on visitor place attachment of state parks in Arkansas

ABSTRACT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, recreation sites around the country experienced a rise in visitation numbers as residents looked for alternatives to staying home. The researchers hypothesized that the social and cultural changes associated with the pandemic have increased the level of visitor place attachment towards these sites. This research works to identify the level of connection guests have towards Arkansas State Parks (ASP) during COVID-19. Results from this study have shown that attachment towards ASP has grown throughout the pandemic and has increased the likelihood that these visitors will return to the site in the future.

KEYWORDS:

• Place attachment
• sense of place
• COVID19
• state parks
• Arkansas

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).