Public Perception of Overcrowding and Management Alternatives in a Multi-purpose Open Access Resource

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of overcrowding problems in the Norfolk Broads and the role this plays in overall concern about declining environmental quality and, as a consequence, tourism demand. The analysis is based on interviews with the two main user groups of the periodically congested Broads waterways: boat hirers and private boat owners. The main objectives of the study are to assess these user groups' perceptions of overcrowding of the Broads, and to explore their attitudes to and preferences for different ways of managing the actual and perceived problems. A combination of quantitative and qualitative social research formats, including face-to-face interviewing and group discussions, are used to reveal the views these user groups hold. In these interviews and discussions, a variety of issues are explored related to the future management of the Broads waterways. Overcrowding appears to be related to the quality of boat usage as much as the total number of boats. Issues such as trust in the authority responsible for managing the area, public right of access and fairness play a major role in the results.