Quality Of Visitor Experience Research Articles

Optimizing Experiential Quality to Drive Positive Post-Consumption Behaviours in Kenyan Theme Parks

Experience quality has become increasingly important, particularly for the theme park sector. This is because visitors' post-consumption behaviours are influenced by experiential quality, and this has an impact on theme parks' overall success. There have been studies on the relationship between psychological outcomes such as perceived value, image, experiential satisfaction, and behavioural intentions in theme parks and experience quality; however, most of these studies have focused on the global north. In light of this, this study examines management' and guests' perceptions of experiencing quality, perceived value, and post-consumption behaviours (satisfaction and behavioural intentions) in what are thought to be Kenya's top theme parks. According to the research findings, improving experiential quality is critical for nurturing favourable post-consumption behaviours from both managerial and tourist perspectives. Furthermore, visitors place a premium on cost/affordability, outstanding service, and enjoyable and thrilling encounters as critical components of delivering visitor value and creating quality and memorable experiences. Both managers and guests reported high visitor satisfaction and positive behavioural intentions. The authors suggest that optimising the quality of visitor experiences at theme parks leads to beneficial post-consumption behaviours and overall park success

Archaeological Parks in the Service of Tourism—A Comparative Analysis of Hungarian and Western-European Archaeological Parks

This study reviews the significance of archaeological parks in the tourism sector, with a specific focus on how digital presence and visitor feedback impact their cultural and touristic appeal. Utilizing statistical analyses such as regression and cluster analysis on data sourced from both Hungarian and Western European parks from the Roman Period, the research scrutinizes TripAdvisor and Google ratings, alongside the volume of photographs and reviews. The findings highlight a modest correlation between digital visibility and overall visitor ratings, underscoring the complex relationship between online engagement and the quality of visitor experience. Notably, the cluster analysis identified two distinct groups, signifying diverse levels of visitor engagement and digital visibility across the parks. The conclusions drawn advocate for a comprehensive strategy to enhance visitor experiences, emphasizing the integration of digital engagement with the promotion of the parks cultural and historical values. By exploring the influence of digital presence on the appeal of archaeological parks, our study sheds light on the evolving interface between urban studies and digital heritage, highlighting how digital tools and online platforms are becoming increasingly integral in shaping the perceptions and experiences of urban cultural sites.

Implementation of Sapta Pesona at Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum

Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi is one of the historical tourist destinations located in the city of Bandung. One of the aspects of managing tourist destinations is by implementing the 'Sapta Pesona' in Indonesia. However, in reality, there are discrepancies, one of which can be observed in terms of the level of beauty, hospitality, and memories that do not align with visitors' expectations. Therefore, this research aims to understand the implementation of 'Sapta Pesona' at the Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi and to identify the efforts made by the Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi management to enhance the quality of visitor experiences in the future. This study utilizes a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection techniques involve interviews and observations, supported by relevant journal literature related to the research topic. The research findings reveal disparities in the application of 'Sapta Pesona' at the Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi, which affects both the implementation of 'Sapta Pesona' and the quality of visitor experiences. With this research, it is hoped that there will be an improvement in the implementation of 'Sapta Pesona' to enhance the quality of visitor experiences."

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Environmental Interpretation in National Parks Based on Visitors’ Spatiotemporal Behavior and Emotional Experience: A Case Study of Pudacuo National Park, China

Problems such as global environmental pollution and climate change have made the public’s desire for nature and closeness to greenery increasingly strong amid rapid urbanization. Improving the ability of experiential environmental interpretation products and services is the basis for national parks to meet the public’s needs, and the evaluation of their effectiveness is a necessary basis for optimizing the quality of environmental interpretation services in response to the current problems of unsynchronized environmental interpretation facilities and service levels. Using Pudacuo National Park as a case study, 365 visitors’ spatio-temporal trajectories with GPS devices and questionnaire data were collected, and the interaction changes of visitors’ external spatiotemporal behaviors and internal emotional experiences were analyzed using cluster analysis, GPS geoprocessing model construction, and emotional mean calculation methods, and the results showed that (1) Pudacuo National Park visitors mainly comprise four types of visitor clusters, which are the sightseeing type, trekking + sightseeing type, cruise type, and hiking + cruise type, as well as four types of spatio-temporal behavior patterns; the differences of visitors’ spatiotemporal behavior patterns are reflected in spatial movement, time allocation, and stopping behavior, and correspond to different emotional experience intensity. (2) Emotional experience value is positively correlated with location stay time, and emotional experience intensity is higher, corresponding to spatio-temporal behavior patterns with longer trajectory distance, longer dwell time, and more stopping behaviors, indicating that environmental services promote longer visitor stopping time and generate high-quality recreation experiences. (3) Finally, we proposed the optimization of environmental interpretation mode according to the spatiotemporal emotional differences of different types of visitor clusters. This study provides a basis for improving the quality of visitor experience and optimizing the quality of environmental interpretation services and provides a useful reference for guiding the construction of high-quality and diverse ecological experiences in national parks.

Quality Visitor Experience On Post Pandemic Event: Evidence From The Event Of Jakarta Biennale 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic that hit the world at the beginning of 2020 has dealt a heavy impact on tourism activities globally, including the limitation of tourism events such as festivals or exhibitions. An adaptation step in organizing events by implementing added health and CHSE protocols create different visitor experience. This research then aims to examine the quality of the visitor experience at the Jakarta Biennale 2021 event as the first major art exhibition event to be held offline with the CHSE protocol. The quality of the visitor experience is reviewed in 7 qualitative descriptive dimensions of memorable tourism experiences, then the analysis is carried out using gap analysis. The findings show that the implementation of the CHSE protocol resulted in gaps in two dimensions of visitor experience (which are involvement and refreshment), but in general, does not reduce the quality of the visitor experience at the Jakarta Biennale event. As an implication, the implementation of the CHSE protocol can be continued and applied in the organizing of other events with some improvement.
 Keywords: Quality Visitor Experience, Tourism Experience, CHSE Protocol, Event Organizing, Post-Pandemic Event

Measuring the Rothko experience in school visitors to modern art museums

Recent studies in museum education focus on the quality of visitor experience to help engagement. To understand how it occurs when it comes to dealing with young visitors to modern art museums, the researchers studied the esthetic experience of Mark Rothko’s masterpiece Untitled (1969) with 678 primary and 335 secondary students. Four dimensions—sensory, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual, are taken into consideration for the development and preliminary validation of a specific instrument to evaluate the so-called “Rothko experience.” Based on quantitative data analysis, results suggest that school visitors can experience Mark Rothko’s modern art intensely by perceiving changes in its color and other sensory features while making self-references to time and space vanish. Besides, cultural background makes a difference in intensely experiencing Rothko’s modern art. Suggestions are made for the development of pedagogical strategies that engage young audience in museum experience of modern art.

Behavior intentions of urban forest recreationists based on structural equation model

A visitor's experience quality is determined by the psychological outcome of their involvement in tourist activities. There are traits that are supplied by a site that are then introduced to the visitor's characteristics. Tourists' emotive responses and judgments of their desired social–psychological goals can be used to measure experience quality. Experience quality is often evaluated holistically or gestalt. People's motivation, contentment, and goals have long been studied in western tourism/recreation research as a method of forecasting their post-visit behaviors and behaviors. The Chinese Urban Forest setting has seen a relatively small number of research projects. Supported by the Structural Equation Model (SEM), this paper is aimed to probe into the post-visit behavioral mechanism of urban forest recreationists. The method involves constructing a conceptual model from the review of related literatures. Ten research hypotheses proposed based on literature review are estimated from the data collected in Nanjing, China. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is employed to verify the effect of recreational benefits on post-visit behavioral intentions and to examine the interrelationships among the factors (e.g., image, benefits, value, satisfaction and intentions). According to statistics, the four primary aspects in constructing a terminal image are availability, appearance, branding, and amenities, while the three components of recreational benefits are interpersonal, psychological rewards, practical and recreational benefits primarily depend on the tourists' experience. Meanwhile，the analysis shows that the image factor indirectly affects post-visit behavioral decision of urban forest recreationists, while recreational benefits, as a variable to measure perceived quality, and exerts together direct as well as indirect effects on behavioral intentions. For urban forest owners that cater to the rising number of Chinese outdoor recreationists, all of the above stated studies provide valuable information.

Determinants of visitor climate change risk perceptions in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA

Nature-based tourism is one of the most economically important industries in the state of Maine, USA. Climate change impacts are projected to affect important tourism assets in Maine, which could result in behavioral shifts related to destination selection, seasonal visitation, and activity participation. Risk perceptions can be important predictors in visitor travel decisions. Recent tourism studies have focused on the effects of climate impacts on risk perceptions, but few have examined the social-psychological drivers of climate change risk perceptions. Drawing on social-psychological theories, we address this gap by understanding visitor climate change risk perceptions in Maine. We surveyed visitors to Acadia National Park in the summer of 2018 to assess the impact of socio-demographics, cognition, experience, and socio-cultural factors on visitor climate change risk perceptions. We used two-stage cluster probability sampling and intercepted 1317 visitors on site; 480 participants completed the online follow-up survey. Using hierarchical regression, we explained 45.5% of the variance in visitors’ climate change risk perceptions at a nature-based tourism destination. Visitors identifying as female, having higher levels of belief in climate change, more first-hand experience with climate impacts, and a higher altruistic values orientation amplified risk perceptions. Understanding determinants of climate change risk perceptions within an outdoor recreation setting has implications for offering high quality visitor experiences while maintaining the integrity of the natural resource base upon which visitation relies. Risk perceptions can be important predictors of visitor travel behavior. Climate change is expected to impact nature-based tourism visitor experiences and travel decisions, natural and cultural resources that serve as attractions, and visitor safety in protected areas. Understanding the drivers of climate change risk perceptions are important for managing visitors and their recreation behaviors while providing satisfactory tourism experiences. If park managers and other tourism stakeholders want to convey information about climate change with the goal of influencing perceptions and behaviors, we suggest that they focus on visitors’ past experiences with climate change impacts and appeals to altruistic values, rather than solely providing climate change facts. Understanding how to motivate visitor compliance with park policies and visitor resource use guidelines will be critical in maintaining positive visitor experience in nature-based tourism settings and protecting the integrity of natural and cultural resources from changes in visitation, such as increased tourist numbers. • Climate change risk perceptions will likely influence visitor behaviors. • We sampled visitors to Acadia National Park to measure social-psychological factors contributing to climate change risk perceptions. • Identifying as female, belief in climate change, experience with climate impacts, and altruistic values increased visitors' risk perceptions.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN TOURISM OF GEORGIA

Tourism has a range of impacts on mountain ecosystems, communities and economies. Many of these impacts are negative, but tourism may also generate positive impacts. They can become supportive force for maintaining peace, fostering pride and cultural traditions, creating local jobs, increasing visitor awareness of natural, cultural and historical values and assets. Local communities and businesses support the long-termsustainability of a tourism destination. A decrease in cultural diversity or authenticity and loss of local customs and traditions may bring the destination to the loss of the attractiveness to visitors seeking a unique cultural experience and attractiveness. In one of the mountain regions of Georgia – Svaneti - the economic benefits of tourism are channeled into the local economy of the region i.e. local community benefit from tourism activities and local businesses (accommodation, transport, food and beverages outlets, souvenirs and crafts etc.) contribute to the authentic nature of the particular mountain destination. Cross-cultural awareness, communication between visitors and local people raises the quality of visitor experience and the level of community understanding in support of tourism.

The Effect of a Vehicle Diversion Traffic Management Strategy on Spatio-Temporal Park Use: A Study in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

Parks and Protected Areas (PPAs) across the Intermountain West region of the United States have observed an increasing trend in visitation in the past decade. Management of visitors’ vehicles as much as the visitors themselves has created a challenge for managers. Experiencing PPAs by personal vehicle is a popular recreation experience. However, as PPAs accommodate historic levels of visitation, the infrastructure to accommodate these vehicles is strained. In response to periods of especially high use in the summer months, Rocky Mountain National Park (ROMO) actively limits access to the Bear Lake Corridor (BLC), one of the most popular day use areas of the Park. Because of limited parking infrastructure and capacities to provide a safe and quality visitor experience, ROMO redirects (i.e., diverts) vehicles away from the BLC. In July 2017, to examine the effect of this management intervention on visitor spatial behavior, participants intending to enter the BLC were given a Geographic Positioning System (GPS) device to track their movement throughout their visit to the Park. We performed a Distributive Flow analysis with the GPS data to understand the diversion’s effect on traffic patterns of visitor vehicles diverted from the BLC. This study found that 21.2% of diverted visitor vehicles returned to the BLC after being redirected and 9% left the Park entirely, suggesting that there is a lack of substitutability for some visitors within the Park for the experience found along the BLC. During a period of redirection, Moraine Park, Endovalley, and Trail Ridge Road received increased levels of visitation as use was diffused across the Park, which may warrant increased monitoring of changes to the experiential and biophysical conditions in these locations. Diverted visitor vehicles made more stops, drove further distances and for a longer period of time than non-diverted visitor vehicles, but there was no significant difference in the length of time spent at points of interest within the Park. While the diversion was effective in temporarily reducing congestion in the BLC, its effect on visitors’ spatial behavior suggests that overall aggregate impacts to park resources and experiential conditions may be increasing as a result.

Improving understanding and management of the complex relationship between visitor motivations and spatial behaviors in parks and protected areas

Increases in use and changes in the behavior of visitors to parks and protected areas (PPAs) worldwide are challenging the ability of managers to provide for a quality visitor experience while also maintaining the integrity of natural resources. Understanding visitor motivations and spatial behaviors are important for effective management of PPA resources and visitor experiences, as differences in motivations and spatial behaviors can influence the distribution of impacts to a recreation landscape. However, the relationships between motivations and behaviors are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between motivations and spatial behavior patterns of recreationists within a system of urban and peri-urban PPAs in Orange County, California, USA. Data were collected using paired GPS-based tracking and visitor questionnaires. Factor analysis revealed seven primary motivations derived from a 36-item motivation scale, and classification of visitors by motivations suggests two primary types. A three-way Analysis of Variance examining the relationship between a suite of visitor spatial behaviors and activity type (mountain bike vs. pedestrian), motivation type, and recreation area visited showed that all three variables interacted to influence visitor spatial behavior patterns while recreating. A spatial analysis of visitor dispersion further illustrated these interactions. These results suggest that the relationship between visitor motivations and spatial behaviors is complex. Understanding the complexities of how motivations influence visitor spatial behavior can help land managers mitigate impacts and improve planning for outdoor recreation by predicting where use may increase, how visitors might behave, and highlight locations of future research.

Pavement treatment type influences visitor experiences related to vehicular road sound in Death Valley National Park

ABSTRACT In many parks and protected areas around the globe, reducing human-caused sounds is a critical component to providing quality visitor experiences. However, very little research examines the effect of vehicular road sounds on visitor experiences. Additionally, emerging pavement treatments have the potential to provide a new management tool for reducing impacts from vehicular road sounds. In this research, intercept surveys of visitors in Death Valley National Park and dose-response methods are used to identify the impacts of vehicular road sounds using normative concepts. The effects of different pavement treatments on visitor experiences are also evaluated. Results show that increasing vehicular road sounds have a negative impact on visitor experiences. Furthermore, Type II microsurfacing pavement treatments have a larger negative impact on visitor experiences than other pavement treatments. From this, managers of parks and protected areas can better understand the impacts of vehicle road sounds on visitor experiences, and possibly further reduce impacts through the use of pavement treatments.

Spatiotemporal variables to understand visitor travel patterns: A management-centric approach

Managers of parks and protected areas can use information about visitor travel patterns to conserve the biophysical resource and provide opportunities for quality visitor experiences. Visitor travel patterns are affected by the unique context of each park and protected area and can be assessed in a multitude of ways. Consequently, researchers have used numerous operationalizations and associated methods to understand visitor travel. However, during previous investigations, management input has not been fully taken into consideration to identify which spatiotemporal variables are the most important for understanding visitor travel patterns. In this study, the research team conducted semi-structured interviews and surveyed managers at Theodore Roosevelt National Park to determine which spatiotemporal variables were deemed the most important for understanding visitor travel patterns at the park, and distributed GPS data loggers to day visitors. Next, the spatiotemporal variables identified by managers were used to cluster travel groups using data collected by the GPS data loggers. Travel attributes of these groups were compared to gain more understanding of visitor travel patterns. Lastly, 3D geovisualizations that are intuitive and easy to understand were created for management purposes. A significant finding produced by this research was that managers at Theodore Roosevelt National Park identified three temporal variables as being the most important for understanding visitor travel patterns: total time spent at attraction areas, total time spent at the visitor center, and total time spent in the park.

Predictive Modeling of Transportation Systems in Jiuzhai Valley World Heritage Site, China

Tourist congestion is a significant issue in Jiuzhai Valley World Heritage Site (JVWH). The “demand-driven” approach of alternative transportation system (ATS) has led to the issues related to visitor crowding, visitor safety, and visitor experience quality. JVWH requires a more efficient approach to achieve a suitable tourist distribution while preserving the quality of visitors’ experiences. Accordingly, this study examines descriptive data, which are collected in 2015 regarding visitor use of the ATS in JVWH to spatially model current and future distribution scenarios. Researchers developed four theoretical scenarios by using the computational model which imitate the current ATS system. Imitation results indicate Scenarios 3 and 4, which adjust spot combination and tourist duration are the two most effective methods for balancing tourist distribution, and are, therefore, the most effectively ways to optimize the current ATS system. This research provides a glimpse into potential management strategies for the tourist distribution of JVWH and possibly other parks in China.

Audience leisure involvement, satisfaction and behavior intention at the Macau Science Center

Purpose This study aims to analyze the basic information of visitors of the Macau Science Center to assess their leisure involvement, satisfaction and behavioral intention, along with the interaction of these factors. Suggestions are made for museum policy modifications to improve visitor experience quality. Design/methodology/approach The analysis methods used in this study included reliability, descriptive statistics, independent-samples t test, ANOVA, correlation analysis and regression analysis. Findings The results showed that there was no significant relationship between gender and satisfaction, involvement of leisure or behavioral intention; age and educational level had significant impacts on satisfaction, leisure involvement and behavioral intention; significant differences were found in terms of visitors’ point of geographic origin, namely, local residents, mainland residents and Hong Kong residents; occupation was found to have no significant impact on satisfaction, leisure involvement or behavioral intention; monthly income was found to have no significant impact on leisure involvement and behavioral intention, but did have a significant impact on satisfaction; number of visits had no significant impact; there was no significant difference in leisure involvement and behavioral intention among different types of visitors, but there was a significant difference in terms of satisfaction; and significant correlations were found between leisure involvement and behavioral intentions. Originality/value The value of this study is to identify problems and offer potential solutions for the improvement of the Macau Science Center by studying the leisure involvement, satisfaction and behavioral intention of museum visitors. The proposed measures can improve the visibility and quality of the science museum, attract additional visitors and improve Macau’s branding through promoting science education and tourism.

Community Engagement: An Appreciative Inquiry Case Study with Theodore Roosevelt National Park Gateway Communities

Appreciative Inquiry was employed to understand the mutual impact of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and nearby communities’ relationships with tourism. Specifically, the goals of this study were to: understand the role of Theodore Roosevelt National Park related to stimulating regional tourism; to ascertain gateway community resident perceptions of benefits from tourism as it relates to economic development and quality of; and, to explore nearby communities’ relationships with the park and how those communities may help influence quality visitor experiences, advance park goals, and develop and leverage partnerships. Results include a collection of emergent themes from the community inquiry related to resource access and tourism management, citizen and community engagement, conservation, marketing, and communication between the park and neighboring residents. These findings illuminate the need to understand nearby communities’ relationship to public lands and regional sustainability support between public land managers and these communities.

The effect of experience quality on behavioral intentions of domestic tourists in visiting water parks

this study proposed a model to assess visitor experience quality and its effect on their image, perceived value, delight, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in Iranian water parks. Based on convenience sampling, a sample of 384 visitors at five water parks in Mashhad, Iran was selected. Data were subjected to partial least squares analysis based on structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of this study showed that quality of visitors’ experiences significantly affects water park image, perceived value, and visitor’s satisfaction. Also, water park image significantly affects perceived value, delight, and visitor’s satisfaction. Moreover, perceived value and water park image exert a direct influence on customer satisfaction, and they also positively affect behavioral intentions. But, the visitor’s delight affects indirectly and through satisfaction on behavioral intentions. Therefore, the results of this study will assist water parks management to develop and implement market-orientated service strategies both to increase experience quality and water park image and to enhance perceived value, delight, and satisfaction among visitors. It is hoped such changes will increase visitors’ favorable behavioral intentions such as revisit and positive word of mouth from the water park in the future.

If i can find a parking spot: A stated choice approach to Grand Teton National Park visitors’ transportation preferences

Managing visitor use in parks and protected areas requires balancing resource protection and quality visitor experiences; a difficult task with ever increasing visitation. Understanding what constitutes a quality experience is also complex. Past studies show that transportation systems are a vital part of visitor's experiences to parks and protected areas. This study investigates preferences for different attributes by examining trade-offs national park visitors make among different transportation-related attributes; such as wait time at the entrance, parking availability, speed of traffic, and volume of traffic. Results indicated that parking was the most important attribute to visitors, followed by traffic volume, wait time at the entrance, and speed. Statistically significant differences in regards to preference among mode of transportation (hiker or in a vehicle) and age were also identified. This study investigates the tradeoffs visitors make among different transportation-related experiential attributes along a rustic park road. The findings suggest there are interactions and tradeoffs among different aspects of the transportation experience, such as: • Preference to wait at the entrance station prior to entering the park, rather than in a parking lot waiting for a designated parking space. • Preferences can differ depending on age and mode of transportation.

How Bio-physical Impacts of Campsite-Use affect Camping Experiences at Highly-visited National Parks of Sri Lanka

With escalating demand for wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka’s National Parks, the visitor interest on camping in designated campsites inside National Parks is also on the rise. However, unplanned recreational uses such as camping in natural areas can induce significant and often localized resource impacts that can affect soil, vegetation, wildlife, and water, with severity of such impacts varying depending on the intensity of use. Limited or no published research have attempted to assess the camp-site users’ perceptions on bio-physical impacts of campsite use in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, this study evaluated the campers’ perception on environmental impacts of campsite use in highly-visited National Parks in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Campsite user characteristics, visitor motivations, behaviors and how visitor experience is affected by visible biophysical impacts at campsites were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. The survey also gathered management actions perceived by campsite users to minimize such environmental impacts. The questionnaire was administered over-the-phone with a total of 202 individuals who had a camping experience within a period of less than 12 months from the date of contact, responding to the survey (response rate of 56.1%). Results revealed that “to be in a natural setting” as the main motivation for camping in National Parks while wildlife viewing and photography were the most popular activities of campers. Well-educated middle-aged males dominated the camping visitor segment. Based on the visitor behaviors and underlying visitor motivations derived through a Factor Analysis, the study further identified three distinct segments of campsite users: Eco-tourists, Prestige seekers, and Adventure seekers. Results further indicated that presence of litter, vandalism activities, vehicle related impacts and current solid waste disposal practices in campsites are negatively affecting visitor experience. Respondents in general, especially the well-educated high income visitor segment exhibited environmentally responsible behaviors during camping. With respect to visitor perceptions on future management of campsites, respondents approved management measures aimed at assuring the ecological integrity of campsites while disapproving substantial infrastructure development within campsites. Study results overall highlights the importance of managing biophysical impacts in campsites to provide a high quality visitor experience, while sustainably managing tourism activities in National Parks. Potential management implications are further discussed. Keywords: Wildlife tourism, Camping, Recreation ecology, Campsite user survey, Ecotourism

Forecasting increases in recreational value that would result from restoration of natural soundscapes in National Parks

U. S. National Parks are justly celebrated for the superlative quality of their scenic and cultural resources. The Grand Canyon Enlargement Act of 1975 identified natural quiet as an important resource and value. These considerations are two motivations for extensive monitoring of acoustic environments in national park units, and development of models that predict sound levels throughout the system. These models also estimate the spatial distribution of noise of noise exposure. Related social science research has documented the effects of noise on the quality of visitor experience in parks, including the accessibility of wildlife for public viewing. Surveys of park visitors and the American public also document broad support of park efforts to reduce noise. Collectively, this research provides a quantitative framework for estimating the increases in the quality of visitor experience that could be realized through reductions in noise.U. S. National Parks are justly celebrated for the superlative quality of their scenic and cultural resources. The Grand Canyon Enlargement Act of 1975 identified natural quiet as an important resource and value. These considerations are two motivations for extensive monitoring of acoustic environments in national park units, and development of models that predict sound levels throughout the system. These models also estimate the spatial distribution of noise of noise exposure. Related social science research has documented the effects of noise on the quality of visitor experience in parks, including the accessibility of wildlife for public viewing. Surveys of park visitors and the American public also document broad support of park efforts to reduce noise. Collectively, this research provides a quantitative framework for estimating the increases in the quality of visitor experience that could be realized through reductions in noise.