Contingent valuation of ecotourism development in country parks in the urban shadow

Abstract

To optimise the use and management of Hong Kong's country parks, ecotourism has recently been promoted by the government and echoed by the leisure sector. Visitors' valuation of ecotourism development hitherto remains scant and could add a new dimension to the knowledge and management base. This study estimated the potential value of ecotourism development using the contingent valuation method (CVM). A total of 613 visitors in three country parks were interviewed. The results showed that the bid amounts and the motives to experience and learn more about nature were significant predictors of willingness-to-pay (WTP). The mean and median WTP were, respectively, HK$101.1 and HK$85.0 annually, varying slightly between parks. The differences were associated with the special ecological and accessibility characteristics of individual parks. The results could justify financial support from the government for ecotourism development and associated nature conservation endeavours and promote the incorporation of natural resource valuation in formulation of public policies in Hong Kong and other developing regions.

Keywords:

• contingent valuation method
• ecosystem services
• ecotourism development
• protected areas
• valuation of nature
• willingness-to-pay

Acknowledgements

We express gratitude for the research grant support kindly provided by the Hui Oi Chow Trust Fund administered by the University of Hong Kong. The field survey help offered by research assistants is warmly appreciated.