Visitors’ perspectives of ethical behaviour at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT There are growing calls for travellers to apply the principles of ethical visitor behaviour (EVB) however, only a few studies have been conducted to date to measure the extent to which visitors perceive such calls and heed them at World Heritage Sites located in developing countries. This study was conducted at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa with the aim was to measure visitors’ perceptions of the importance and application of EVB at the IWP. A total of 323 respondents were conveniently surveyed to rate EVB items related to perceptions of importance and behaviour. Results revealed that, although respondents perceived EVB as being important few actively applied the principles in a heterogeneous manner. The study revealed that different socio-demographic groups perceived ethical behaviour patterns differently. Such findings have practical implications, as an awareness of visitors’ perceptions of EVB patterns might assist authorities in formulating effective strategies to encourage EVB.