Travel Cost Method Research Articles

The impact of COVID-19 on the value of coastal recreational resource from the perspective of recreational behaviour change: Evident from China

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak took a heavy toll on the global tourism industry in 2020, and affected the value realization of coastal recreational ecosystem service. From the micro perspective, this paper combines travel cost method with contingent behaviour method to obtain residents' actual behaviour and contingent behaviour data, and discusses the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on the value realization of coastal recreational resources from the perspective of the change in residents' recreational behaviour in Qingdao, China. Residents are observed to significantly reduce their outdoor activities in response to the COVID-19. The number of visits to the beach decreases by 25.2% when there is an outbreak, and decreases by 0.064% for every 1% increase in the number of confirmed cases, which is used to represent the severity of the epidemic. The asymmetries effects of epidemic situation on residents' recreational behaviour show that the improvements lead to larger and more significant impacts than the deteriorations. The disappearance of the pandemic crisis will provide considerable welfare for the citizens in Qingdao, which reaches to 1.9323 billion CNY/year. If the number of confirmed cases deteriorates to 900, the environmental welfare loss will be 0.3366 billion CNY/year. Additionally, we test the effects of residents' cognitive variables, and find that risk perception can strengthen the negative impacts of COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, the deteriorations in the environmental attributes are found to have stronger impacts on the number of visits than the improvements. This paper provides empirical-support results about the change of coastal recreational value through the evaluation of recreational behaviours in the post-epidemic period, which will give important implications for government's marine ecosystem restoration and coastal management work.

How to Measure Public Awareness of Environmental Protection

Human actions intensified processes in the environment, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution, escalating the role of environmental awareness. Along with the formal environmental education performed in pre-schools, schools and universities, vocational education is taking a special role due to the flexibility of educational formats as well as the diversity and deepness of topics to be covered. While there are a lot of public awareness campaigns on climate change, environmental and nature protection issues, there is still a lack of methods on how to measure the effectiveness of these. Within the present paper, the methodology for measuring the effectiveness of outdoor events focused on awareness raising of local society on nature protection actions. The methodological framework is based on the ecosystems services travel cost method – estimation of the value of nature provided benefits generated by ecosystems. As a case study object to adapt the methodology, a project named Nature Concert Hall is selected. Nature Concert Hall is a symbiosis of science, music, poetry and visual art organising annual summer festivals (1–2 per year) in previously unrecognized natural settings, such as meadow, forest, seacoast or riverside but dedicated to a specific nature protection topic. The effectiveness of the event is measured for the period of 7 years.

Environmental valuation of raya lati petangis park using the travel cost method in Paser District, East Kalimantan

The Lati Petangis Forest Park is a forest area that was previously a mining concession area of PT BHP Kendilo Coal which has ended its operations and was later developed into a tourism area. The purpose of this study was to determine the aspects that influence the level of visits to the Lati Petangis Grand Forest Park, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan and to analyze the Willingness to Pay (WTP) value of the Lati Petangis Grand Forest Park. The method used is the Travel Cost Method and Consumer Surplus. The results of the calculation of the environmental valuation of Nature Tourism Forest Park Raya Lati Petangis, Batu Engau District, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan using the Travel Cost Method can be concluded that the average WTP value is known to be Rp. 247,959, so that the economic value of the Lati Petangis Grand Forest Park is Rp. Rp. 725,614,497.06 per year, the consumer surplus value is Rp. Rp. 1,820,671,342.3. From the regression analysis it was found that the independent variables in the form of travel costs (X1), Age (X2), Education (X3), Income Level (X4), Cleanliness Quality (X5), and Visitor Satisfaction Level (X6) have a significant effect on the economic value of Tahura Lati Petangis which can be characterized by the high number of visits.

Economic Valuation for Recreational Services of The Permanent Forest Estate in Kuala Kubu Bharu: A Travel Cost Analysis

Economic Valuation for Recreational Services of The Permanent Forest Estate in Kuala Kubu Bharu: A Travel Cost Analysis

Valuasi Ekonomi Kawasan Museum Adityawarman Kota Padang dengan Metode Biaya Perjalanan (Travel Cost Method)

This study aims to estimate the economic value of cultural tourism at the Adityawarman Museum and analyze the factors that influence the number of visits to the Adityawarman Museum. The economic assessment of the Adityawarman Museum uses primary data from a survey of 205 visitors using the Travel Cost Method (TCM) approach to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) and economic valuation. Using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Poisson Regression (PR) regression methods, the results of this study indicate that the economic value of cultural tourism at the Adityawarman Museum has a potential value of Rp. 143,591,814.80 (on OLS) and Rp. 248,757,673.29 (in PR) if the visitor's WTP is Rp. 8,162.80 (on OLS) and Rp. 14141.19 (on PR). The WTP value obtained is above the price of the entrance ticket. Factors that affect tourist visits are travel costs, age of visitors, level of education of visitors, the existence of other tourist destinations that one wants to visit and the main attraction of the museum. The recommendations given should be for the improvement or development of the museum, a policy of increasing the price of admission tickets can be implemented.

Valuasi Ekonomi Dan Potensi Pengembangan Objek Wisata Hutan Mangrove Kampung Nelayan Sejahtera Kelurahan Sumber Jaya Kota Bengkulu

This study aims to determine the economic value of mangrove forest tourism objects in the Prosperous Nelayan Village, Sumber Jaya Village, Kampung Melayu Subdistrict Baai Island, Bengkulu City through economic instruments, namely the Travel Cost Method (TCM) and Willingness to Pay (WTP) along with the variables that influence it and to determine the potential for development based on visitor perceptions. The number of respondents in this study were 50 people. Estimation of economic value is based on the Travel Cost Method, while the factors that influence Willingness to Pay are analyzed using multiple linear regression. Furthermore, the potential for tourism object development is studied descriptively based on the respondents' perceptions. The results showed that the economic value of the mangrove forest tourist attraction Kampung Nelayan Sejahtera based on the total travel costs of 50 respondents during 2 weeks of observation was Rp.5,088,000. The factors that influence the Willingness to Pay for the Mangrove Forest tour of Kampung Nelayan Sejahtera are the total cost of the trip, the age of the respondent, and income. Total travel costs and age have a negative effect on Willingness to Pay, while income has a positive effect on Willingness to Pay. Potential developments that can be carried out are (1) development of all potential natural resources in the Kampung Sejahtera Mangrove Forest such as natural mangrove forest views, biodiversity and community friendliness and culture by building cooperation between the community and all competent parties, (2 ) Packaging the offered tourist objects with a tourism promotion package to attract visitors from outside the City of Bengkulu, and (3) increasing the construction of tourist facilities, facilities and infrastructure that are urgently needed by tourists/visitors and making improvements to existing infrastructure facilities. having damaged.

Environmental valuation of hydro-environmental services of the Tropical Montane Cloud Forest

Environmental externalities are just one class of externalities (or external effects). They are not more important than any other type of economic externalities, but it would not be possible to find rational arguments to justify that they are less so. If more complex and therefore better decisions are to be taken, these externalities should be duly quantified and incorporated in the framework of an economic analysis of public or private decisions of society. In that case, they can be accounted for as costs of our decisions. Environmental economics has different environmental valuation methods to include ecosystems and its dynamics into an economic system. The most applied methods are contingent valuation, hedonic prices, and travel cost. These methods may be used as a guide to formulate public policies to protect the environment and have an efficient management. The present research is an analysis for hydro-environmental services (recreational services) of the tropical montane cloud forest (La Granada waterfall) of Coatepec due to the increasing risks caused by human activity. Therefore, the travel cost method will be applied to estimate the economic value associated with the ecosystem. This method applies conventional empirical techniques used by economists to estimate economic values based on market prices. The findings showed different travel costs for every chosen zone and a consumer surplus of $47.10 MXN and an estimated yearly value of $70,645 MXN.

Predicting forest recreation benefits changes under different climate change scenarios

Extreme climate and uncertainties in environmental changes have caused tourists to change their travel behaviors, and further affected the tourism value of tourism attractions. This study assessed the changes in the tourism value considering different climate change scenarios. Firstly, this study utilized meteorological data and number of tourists from the past decade to estimate the number of future tourists of 14 national forest parks in Taiwan. Questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the travel durations of tourists; and the travel cost method was used to estimate the future tourism value. Then, the changes in the total value of each national forest park in Taiwan due to climate change were calculated. The results indicated that in national forest parks in Taiwan, the number of tourists and temperature increase were positively correlated, and the future tourism value decline because the recreation time in most national forest parks under climate change will decline. This study calculated the total changes in the future (from 2020 to 2100) tourism value of 14 national forest parks in Taiwan under climate change, and the maximum value reaches NT$183.473 billion. Under Scenario RCP 8.5, the tourism value is higher than that under Scenario RCP 2.6. Also, regarding time sequence, under Scenario RCP 8.5, the degree of decrease in tourism value in each area were smaller than those under Scenario RCP 2.6; in some areas, the tourism value increased. National forest park managers should promptly propose relevant adaptive policies to reduce the damage of climate change to tourism value.

Economic Valuation of Lake Tana: A Recreational Use Value Estimation through the Travel Cost Method

Lake Tana is a well-known tourist spot in northern Ethiopia that lures both domestic and foreign tourists. The lake’s value is still underrated, despite the site’s immense potential for recreation and tourism. In this study, the recreational value of Lake Tana is estimated, and the consumer characteristics associated with recreational demand are analyzed. The study employs a Zero-Truncated Poisson (ZTP) regression model for data generated by the Individual Travel Cost Method (ITCM) and draws information from 1094 on-site surveys. According to ZTP regression results, variables that are significantly and positively associated with demand for Lake Tana recreation include the monthly income and age of the visitors and their preference for other recreation destinations such as Tis-Abay and Gondar Fasiledes Royal Castle. However, respondents’ leisure time, overall cost, and residential distance from the recreational site are all negatively associated with the demand for recreation. It is also evident that Lake Tana is endowed with a wealth of attributes, ranging from natural beauty to ancient religious and cultural heritages, making the lake a highly desirable recreation destination. According to the estimation, Lake Tana has a yearly recreational value of around USD 68.5 million. However, it also demonstrates that if lake settings were to improve in quality, the value of Lake Tana would rise considerably, reaching USD 151 million. The value of sentimental attachment implies that determining Lake Tana’s recreational value is a key element in the resource’s sustainable utilization and management. To make greater use of Lake Tana’s recreational amenities, however, uncontrolled waste disposal, favorable recreation facilities, and the spread of water hyacinth should be addressed immediately. Furthermore, it is imperative to maintain the lake’s diverse attributes, as the integration of these attributes is what gives the lake its primary appeal.

COST-BENEFIT EVALUATION BASED ON THE TRAVEL COST METHOD FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES IN KOUNOSU CITY

Although an increasing number of municipalities are engaging in public facility management, there are few objective indicators to confirm and verify the specific direction in which facilities should be developed in the future. This paper proposes a cost-benefit analysis method for existing public facilities based on the travel cost method. As a result of verification in Kounosu City, it was confirmed that the cost-benefit analysis of public facilities is useful because it can identify public facilities that are highly satisfactory and necessary for residents and organize priorities and directions for facilities that need to be redeveloped.

For the Better Protection of Wetland Resources: Net Value of Ecosystem Services after Protective Development of Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, China

Wetlands are valuable urban resources and can provide various ecosystem services for cities. In order to face the continuous urbanization and market economy environment, relevant government-related management, decision-makers, and stakeholders can make objective and comprehensive value judgments and decide the fate of urban wetland resources. Our quantitative approach to the ecosystem services value provided by wetlands produced clear, direct, and persuasive monetization data. The assessment of the net value of ecosystem services (NES) provides one such method. Considering the transition of the Xixi Wetland into the Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou as an example, we first determined the calculation model of its NES. Second, we utilized the equivalent factor, contingent valuation, travel cost, and benefit transfer methods to calculate its value of ecosystem services (VES), service cost, and NES. The results are shown below. In 2016, the VES of Xixi Wetland park was RMB 16.973 billion, NES was RMB 16.938 billion, and service cost was RMB 34.8158 million. The value of cultural services was the main contributor to NES, which accounted for 99.27% of the total. Real estate appreciation, cultural heritage, and recreational value were the main contributors to its cultural service value. Third, through the scenario comparison, we concluded that the NES of the protective development model (the wetland park mode) adopted by Xixi Wetland was RMB 3.186 billion more than that of the protection model. In other words, the protective development model is more practical and sustainable for protecting the Xixi Wetland. Finally, the limitations and shortcomings of the study are summarized.

A blueprint for addressing conflicts between ecotourism and farming from an economic perspective: The case of wintering crane conservation in the Hula Valley in Israel

Economic studies on human-wildlife conflicts often apply valuation methods to show that biodiversity conservation generates benefits also from an economic point of view. These studies are useful, but by focusing solely on the monetary benefits of conservation, they neglect that conservation often leads to costs for others which may be the very reason for the conflict. In the current study, we combined an assessment of the marginal benefits of conservation with an assessment of its marginal costs and were thus able to derive what economists call the “optimal level of conservation”. Our focus was the conflict between ecotourism and farming activities and our case study was the conservation of wintering cranes in the Agamon Park in the Hula Valley, Israel. We estimated the marginal benefits of crane conservation to tourism by using the travel-cost method, and the marginal costs by collecting cost data of guarding the agricultural fields and providing alternative feeding options for the cranes. We found that the optimal number of wintering cranes in the Agamon Park, in terms of net benefits to society, is 40,600. We also found that the entrance fee to the reserve, needed to fund the costs of protection from the cranes, is 6.20 ILS (1.88 USD). Our study may serve as a blueprint for identifying and designing policy solutions, using an economic perspective, to conflicts between ecotourism and farming which exist in many protected areas around the world.

Are local fisheries important for marine tourism? A case study of the Swedish fishing village Träslövsläge

Coastal fishing fleets are declining in many parts of Europe. In Sweden, this has left many traditional fishing harbours with no or very few active fishers. This might have effects on the marine tourism industry where the existence of commercial fishing is part of the visitors’ tourism experience. In this paper in-depth interviews with local representatives for the tourism sector are combined with a questionnaire to 647 tourists visiting the Swedish harbour of Träslövsläge in 2020. A travel-cost analysis shows that tourists value the existence of fishing vessels to about 9 percent of the total value of the visit, while fishing architecture and a harbour with active commercial fisheries are lower valued. The importance of the fishing attributes varies substantially among tourists. From the interviews it can be concluded that the fishery is important for characterizing​ the village, but that the tourism experience also needs other activities such as restaurants.

An assessment of recreational values of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam using Travel Cost Method

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) comprises 340 km2 of core zone of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve in Assam, India. DSNP receives on average 3000-3500 tourists every year. Most of the visitors were on independent holidays often coming to the DSNP. Most of the visitors coming from outside the northeastern states are coming to DSNP as the second destination after the Kaziranga National Park, which is about 300 km from the DSNP. Recreational value of DSNP was estimated by using Travel Cost Method. Results show that the average consumer surplus per tourist per visit accruing to domestic tourists was Rs. 2892.50 and total annual recreational value of the DSNP was Rs. 10.11 million which is almost 40 times the total revenue (Rs. 2.50 lakh) earned by the DSNP in a year. This clearly shows that revenue collected through entry fee is not reflecting the true economic value of recreational services of the DSNP. The results of the study provide enough justification for enhanced investment from government in the DSNP to ensure continued flow of essential ecosystem services.

Economic Valuation of Mangrove Ecosystem Services in Sembilang National Park of South Sumatra, Indonesia

An ecosystem services valuation could provide significant improvements for the policy maker to monitor the mangrove ecosystem changes in coastal ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the value of ecosystem service in Sembilang National Park (NSP), Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Data collection used questionnaires and in-depth interviews with the target respondents being fishermen, farmers, and stakeholders who live in the mangrove ecosystem area. The total economic value (TEV) was used as an approach for calculating the various values of the mangrove services. Several methods have been developed to estimate the ecosystem services value. In this study, the market price method, benefits transfer method, replacement method, and travel cost method were applied to estimate the benefit value for provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. The result showed that the TEV of mangrove ecosystem services with an area of 88,556 ha was IDR 6,961,126,186,194 year-1 (US$ 467,974,555.06 year-1) or IDR 78,607,444 ha-1year-1 (US$ 5,284.5 ha-1year-1). The annual benefit values for provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services were IDR 267,301,712,200, IDR 6,401,520,094,447, IDR 292,120,962,048, and IDR 183,417,500, respectively. The benefit value of regulating services (coastline protection and carbon sequestration) dominated the TEV of mangrove ecosystems in the SNP. To avoid the lost value of these mangrove services, conservation and restoration should receive a high priority in mangrove management and planning in the future. These research results could be used as baseline data for local governments in managing mangrove ecosystems through the establishment of a mangrove working group in South Sumatra Province. Therefore, the novelty of this research resided in the first economic valuation in the SNP using the TEV approach, as illustrated.

개별여행비용법을 이용한 강원도 삼척 맹방 해수욕장의 경제적 가치추정

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the economic value of coastal beaches in Samcheok Maengbang of Kangwon Province. ITCM(Individual Travel Cost Method) is applied to estimate the economic value of its beaches using Poisson, negative binomial, truncated Poisson and truncated negative binomial models. The consumer surplus during length of stay per capita is estimated to be 173,790~203810 won in beaches, and the consumer surplus per person and per day 68,280~80,080 won. Annual total economic value of its beaches considering the number of visitors in beaches can be converted to be 65,516 million won.

Demand for Diving Tourism in Marine Protected Areas in Developing Countries

The importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) in protecting marine habitats and biodiversity, especially for coral reefs, is acknowledged among conservationists, managers, and policy-makers. However, the socio-economic and ecological benefits of MPAs are understated and overshadowed by the establishment and operating costs, specifically for MPAs located in developing countries. Using a global survey of recreational divers, we estimate recreational users’ welfare benefits in support of MPAs. Using the travel cost method (TCM), we show that an increase in user fees has a modest effect on visitors’ numbers in MPAs in developing countries. It is justifiable to increase revenue to help cover the costs of developing and operating MPAs. The mean consumer surplus (CS) derived from the TCM is US$588.24 per person trip with confidence intervals of $347.71–$1908.39 USD. Such information is pertinent in protecting and restoring the marine ecosystem when multiple threats adversely affect coral reefs, upon which other marine life and local and international communities depend.

REVISIÓN SISTEMATIZADA DEL MÉTODO COSTO DE VIAJE: UNA APROXIMACIÓN A LA VALORACIÓN ECONÓMICA DE ÁREAS NATURALES PROTEGIDAS

<p><strong>Background:</strong> In protected natural areas (PNA), as units for the management and conservation of natural ecosystems, the challenge of economically valuing their environmental services sometimes makes it difficult to improve the design of their conservation plans and prevents a correct estimation of economic and social impacts on the well-being of present and future generations. Therefore, indirect estimation methods of the recreational value are used. <strong>Objective:</strong> Systematically analyze the advances in the estimation of the recreational value of the PNA, through the travel cost method (TCM). <strong>Methodology: </strong>A systematic literature review was carried out, based on SALSA (Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis, Analysis) and the PRISMA protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses), in the following databases: Scopus, Science Direct, JSTOR, Springer Link, Dialnet, Google Scholar. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for studies carried out in PNA at a national and international level, in the period from 2010 to 2020. <strong>Main findings.</strong> Regarding the different approaches of the travel cost method, the individual approach provides more realistic estimates and has greater statistical support than the zonal approach; since it obtains the data directly from tourists through surveys, which allows estimating the real expenses they made during their trip. <strong>Implications:</strong> Derived from the complexity of estimating the value of an intangible, such as these areas of environmental services. The economic valuation exercise results in the estimation of the price of the service from the consumer's demand and not from its offer. In this sense, the TCM seeks to estimate the use value of the PNA, and not their market value as such. Hence, such assessment is a support tool for the managers of these sites, in order to: estimate adequate access fees; evaluate investments in the valued area; as well as expose specific approaches and techniques for data processing. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The variables that influence the recreational value are: age, income level, distance traveled from the tourist's place of residence to the PNA, transportation costs, lodging, food costs, visits to other sites, perception of environmental quality, and willingness to pay (WTP) for the service. It is recommended to delve into intangible valuation techniques, so that society becomes aware of the benefit that PNA represent for a nation, and in this way public and private investments in this area are promoted; since in addition to improving the protection of biodiversity, it contributes to regional development.</p>

Economic Valuation of Marine Tourism Dutungan Island by Travel Cost Method in Mallusetasi Subdistrict, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi Province

This study aims to determine the factors that influence the intensity of tourist visits to the Dutungan Island, Mallusetasi Sub-district, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi Province and The economic value of the Dutungan Island marine tourism object. This study uses quantitative descriptive and data collection techniques are observation and questionnaires. The population in this study are tourists with the purpose of traveling. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling with a total sample of 43 respondents. This research was conducted in April-May 2021 on Dutungan Island, Mallusetasi Sub-district, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The data analysis methods used were multiple linear regression analysis and travel cost analysis. The results of this study indicate that the factors that influence the intensity of tourist visits are travel costs, completeness of tourist attraction facilities, distance, accessibility, age and income. The economic value of the Dungan Island marine tourism object is IDR 1,188,895,920.

Analysis of willingness to pay (WTP) to support the sustainability of geotourism at Wediombo Beach, Gunung Kidul

The increase in tourism activities in the geotourism area of Wediombo Beach have triggered a cascade of effects, including economic growth and environmental degradation. To mitigate further environmental harm and support its preservation, financial backing is essential, particularly as this area is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Gunungsewu. This research investigates the Willingness to Pay (WTP) of visitors at Wediombo Beach, seeking to determine their willingness to contribute to environmental protection and analyzing the factors influencing their WTP. The approaches used in this study are Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Travel Cost Method (TCM) to calculate WTP, utilizing multiple linear regression analysis to assess the impact of independent variables on WTP. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis to determine the effect of the independent variable on WTP. Through interviews conducted with 67 respondents of accidental sampling using the bidding game dichotomous question method.The findings reveal that Wediombo Beach is currently undervalued, as the average WTP to support the sustainability of geotourism at the site is IDR15,615.00 per individual per visit, totaling IDR99,782,308.00. The key factors influencing visitors to the WTP at Wediombo Beach are perceived attractiveness and educational value.