Recreational value, user heterogeneity and site characteristics in contingent valuation

Abstract

We propose an adaptation of the Dichotomous Choice Contingent Valuation Method, applied to the recreational quality of a site and to heterogeneity between visitors (tourists and residents). This method is based on a set of repeated valuation questions and is used to study relations between the components of environmental goods. We propose its application to public coastal sites in south-western France. We show that programmes regarding the ocean, beaches and forests are generally independent of one another. In order to stress the heterogeneity of users, two separate models are assessed. The way time is taken into account then appears to be one of the most interesting sources of divergence between tourists and residents. Individual WTP per day also varies. This confirms that beaches used by residents provide high economic benefits although they generate little indirect revenue. Finally, contingent valuation appears to be a useful alternative for analyzing the multiple dimensions of a public policy.