Pricing the enjoyment of ‘elephant watching’ at the Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka: An analysis using CVM

Abstract

The Minneriya National Park (MNP) is noted among elephant conservation areas in Sri Lanka for the excellent elephant (Elephas maximus) viewing opportunities that it provides to both domestic and foreign tourists. Given its high reputation, the present study estimates the optimum entrance fee that could be charged from visitors for ‘observing elephants’ at the Park. The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used to determine the appropriate entrance fee. The study interviewed 407 visitors to MNP, using a closed-ended questionnaire. The estimated mean willingness to pay (WTP) per domestic visitor was SLR 172.00 (USD 1.30). If this park fee is implemented, the revenue of the Park would increase up to SLR 6.81 million per year, which would be a 49% increase in revenue and a 48% decrease in visitors compared to current values. The study recommends introducing a pricing policy for observing elephants at the Park.