Estimating recreational value of Mahatama Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

Tourists visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in Bay of Bengal, to have a glimpse of pollution free sandy beaches and luxuriant marine ecosystem, especially coral reefs, colourful fishes and other sea organisms. Mahatama Gandhi Marine National Park (MGMNP), near Port Blair, the capital city of these islands, is one of such favourite spots, both for recreational and educational purpose. This study is an effort to quantify the recreational use value (one of the components of total economic value) of the park. The travel cost method, which is now extensively used worldwide for estimating the economic use value of natural resources, has been used for the purpose. The main aim of the study is to find annual recreational value of the park, consumer surplus per tourist visit accruing to the domestic tourists, feasibility of park entry fee enhancement and tourism recreational value per unit area of this park in comparison to other protected areas of India.