Abstract
The aim of this study was to find out visitor characteristics and satisfaction and perceptions of visitors, because park management requires a knowledge of what tourists demand in order that these resources can be optimized. A visitor survey was carried out in Horton Plains National Park (HPNP) to get knowledge on visitor characteristics, satisfaction and their perceptions. The results allowed differentiation of two major types of visitors: generalists and eco-tourists. The visitor survey results imply that HPNP may be the popular tourism destinations for both local and foreign visitors. Majority of foreign visitors (above 50%) are Europeans and majority of local visitors (above 40%) are from the western province. Both local and foreign visitors visit HPNP to see World's End. Generally the satisfaction level among local and foreign visitors at the national park is satisfactory. The majority of visitors are interested in participate in more recreational activities which are not available to have a diverse visitor experience at the park. Some of these visitor services/facilities could be implemented as ecotourism concessions through public-private partnerships. Local visitors mentioned that the tour is worth than that they paid for permits although foreign visitors felt it was not worth what they paid. Marketing of HPNP is not at a satisfactory level and visitors are mainly aware of HPNP from their friends and relatives. This study recommends to Sri Lanka government how to utilize the existing potential in developing ecotourism and maximize the quality of visitor experience at HPNP. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i1.6448 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(1) 2012:81-100
Highlights
Protected areas typically promote nature tourism-travel to unspoiled, natural places where people can experience and enjoy nature
Wildlife and ecotourism are some of niche travel forms of nature tourism (Vallentine and Cassells, 1992; Hanneberg, 1994)
The visitor survey results at both study sites shows that the ecotourism potential is under utilized and only the national visitor services and tourism activities are going on
Summary
Protected areas typically promote nature tourism-travel to unspoiled, natural places where people can experience and enjoy nature. Wildlife and ecotourism are some of niche travel forms of nature tourism (Vallentine and Cassells, 1992; Hanneberg, 1994). Planning for recreational activities in protected areas involves an understanding of multiple and complex factors. Segmentation of the recreational supply and demand in natural areas, together with identification of the main conditioning factors of recreational use, are useful for park management. The recreational supply will be existing visitor services (trails, wildlife safari) and demand will be visitor characteristics (Torbidoni et al, 2005). It is said that visitor preferences and suggestions on ongoing recreational activities have been promoted as a basis for sound practice of self-regulation and management intervention in a national park
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