Vehicle crowding vs. consumer surplus: A case study at Wasgomuwa National Park in Sri Lanka applying HTCM approach

Abstract

This study investigates how ‘vehicle crowding’ affects consumer surplus (CS) at the Wasgomuwa National Park (WNP) in Sri Lanka. The new recreational scenario that the study developed estimated the CS at Sri Lanka Rupees (SLR) 11,582.10 per visitor, which was 98 times higher than the present CS and a 96.96% increase on the present value of benefits. In the proposed recreational scenario, the crowding effect was estimated by applying the hypothetical travel cost method while the changes in CS values were studied under six different ‘vehicle crowding’ levels. The findings also indicate that visitor satisfaction in terms of CS decreases with crowding. The results of the present study would be of use to park management with regard to decision-making relating to (a) revisions in the park entrance fee; (b) diversification of tourist activities within the Park for the purpose of enhancing visitor satisfaction; and (c) vehicle crowding management.