Perceptions of tourists of the resources, ecological service functions and recreation value of the Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area.

Shou-Tsung Wu,Chaur-Tzuhn Chen,Jan-Chang Chen,Chun-Hung Wei,Shang-Chuan Huang,Yi-Ta Hsieh,Shah Md Atiqul Haq

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257835

Abstract

This study surveyed visitor perceptions of the resources of the Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area (GNFRA) in Taiwan', their perceptions toward the ecosystem service functions of the GNFRA, their expectations and opinions on its management, and their recreational activities. Independent sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the influences of the backgrounds of respondents on their perceptions toward the ecosystem service functions of the GNFRA. The importance-performance analysis (IPA) method was used to explore evaluations by tourists on the management of the GNRFA. Finally, a global positioning system (GPS) was used to process records of recreational activities by tourists within the GNFRA to understand the movement of tourists during their recreational activities within the GNRFA. The results showed that visitors to the GNRFA regarded its recreational resources to be valuable and that they had a high willingness to revisit. The visitors also showed a certain understanding of the ecosystem services provided by the forest ecosystem. There were significant differences in perceptions of ecosystem services among visitors of different backgrounds. In addition, the results of IPA showed the "importance" of perceptions and "performance" within the opinions of tourists on the management of the forest recreation area. The records of recreational activities by tourists showed that they experienced the most benefits when experiencing picturesque scenery along walking trails. The results of this study can contribute to future management of the GNRFA.

Highlights

Taiwan has abundant forest resources, and a national forest recreation area (NFRA) has been established by the forestry bureau of the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan
The educational background of survey participants showed that 54.2% of tourists have a college degree or above, indicating that the general public have a high level of education
The northern ethnic group accounted for the majority (60.2%) of survey respondents, indicating that most visitors to the recreation area originate from neighboring areas

Summary

Introduction

Taiwan has abundant forest resources, and a national forest recreation area (NFRA) has been established by the forestry bureau of the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan. Tourist perceptions of the Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area’s resources. Tourist perceptions of the Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area’s resources companions of respondents, the highest percentage was family members (49.2%), followed by friends (28.8%), thereby indicating that the NFRAs provide a good environment for relatives and friends to visit together, and characterizes the tourism habits of visitors to the NFRAs. Private cars accounted for the vast majority (77.5%) of means of transport to the GNFRA among respondents, which shows diversification of transportation modes among visitors to the NFRAs and highlights potential parking space shortages that should be considered within GNFRA management. The evaluation of GNFRA resources by respondents showed that tourists attributed high or extremely high value to the natural and cultural recreational resources (88.8% and 75.2%, respectively) of the GNFRA; the NFRAs can be regarded as an attractive option for outdoor recreation.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion