Travel Cost Method Research Articles

Quantifying the unseen benefits: an innovative economic valuation of the social and cultural values of trees, woods, and forests at risk

ABSTRACT Trees, woods, and forests in England are associated with a wide range of social and cultural values (S&CV). However, these treescapes (i.e. trees in any location) face increasing risks from pests, diseases, climate change, and biosecurity threats. This study addresses the urgent need for comprehensive estimates of S&CV related to England’s treescapes. Current UK policies and resource allocations are based on limited “value at risk” estimates. The study proposes a novel anchor value method for holistic S&CV valuation, resulting in an annual benefits flow ranging from £7 to £10 billion. This estimate surpasses the current natural capital accounts for England’s woodlands and underscores the importance of including S&CV in total ecosystem benefits assessments. The study also applies traditional methods, namely Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Travel Cost Method (TCM), to economically value S&CV of trees at risk from pests and diseases. These methods, focusing on local use values, yield similar estimates of just under £1 billion per year. This preliminary valuation invites further debate and scrutiny.

Economic Benefits and Uses of Indigenous Seasonal Weather Forecasts in Zimbabwe

This study presents a seminal contribution regarding the economic value of indigenous seasonal weather forecasts in Zimbabwe. Many farmers (58%) use indigenous seasonal weather forecasts to make maize farming decisions such as selecting suitable varieties. The main indicators used for indigenous seasonal weather forecasts are flowering and fruition of specific trees. Based on travel cost analysis, which incorporates a multi-purpose visit scenario, the study establishes the economic importance of indigenous seasonal weather forecasts with a consumer surplus of US$1,044 per year among the 290 farmers using the forecasts. There is therefore a need to integrate indigenous weather forecasts into national seasonal weather forecasting and disaster risk reduction systems to complement modern seasonal weather forecasts. Co-production of seasonal weather forecasts with farmers is proposed in this regard. This further calls for the need to digitally document, visualize, and disseminate indigenous seasonal weather forecast indicators to a wider audience to increase their use.

Assessment of recreational value of national Chambal sanctuary: application of individual travel cost model

Purpose This study aims to assess the recreational value of the National Chambal Sanctuary highlighting the potential benefits of conservation and the need for sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the Individual Travel Cost Method to evaluate the expenses of individuals visiting the National Chambal Sanctuary. Findings The study reveals that the National Chambal Sanctuary has a significant recreational value, with an average visitor value of INR 35,335.69 or USD 434 and an annual value of INR 132,473,501.81 or approximately USD 1.62m, indicating substantial economic contribution. Research limitations/implications The study's limitations may stem from data collection constraints, visitor reporting biases or other factors affecting estimates' accuracy. Future research could explore socio-economic factors or factors affecting low tourist inflow in India's protected areas (PAs). Practical implications This study suggests raising entrance fees for the National Chambal Sanctuary to ensure financial sustainability, based on its high recreational value and average consumer surplus. This has practical implications for policymakers, conservationists and the tourism industry. Social implications The study underscores the significance of protecting PAs like the National Chambal Sanctuary, suggesting that public attitudes towards biodiversity conservation can be influenced by highlighting its economic and recreational value and promoting awareness of its significance. Originality/value The study evaluates the recreational value of a wildlife sanctuary in India, offering insights into conservation's economic benefits and sustainable practices and promoting further research.

The economic benefit of spearfishing as an impure public good: A case study of invasive Lionfish in Florida

Lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans) is a highly invasive species originally from the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. As an effort to control its exponentially growing population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched a program called “Lionfish Challenge” to promote harvesting of lionfish from Florida waters. The program provides anglers with a unique recreational opportunity because they would need to dive and spearfish to harvest lionfish. Furthermore, participants in the program not only gain utility from spearfishing as a private good but also as a public good, knowing that they are contributing to the ecosystem in Florida waters. This paper contributes to the literature by measuring the economic benefit for participants from spearfishing as an impure public good. Using data provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a travel cost method was applied to model the demand for lionfish fishing trips. Data included information about counties where lionfish were harvested at the trip-level, but only if participants took a trip and harvested lionfish. Therefore, those who are good at catching lionfish had a higher probability of being included in the data. To account for potential sample selection bias, a probability weight was applied, using the average number of lionfish harvested as a proxy. Results indicate that the per-trip consumer surplus per participant was between $965.89 and $1,597.36, depending on model specifications, with the preferred specification indicating a mean CS of $1,117.72 per trip. The seasonal consumer surplus per participant was indicated to be between $4,550.45 and $3487.91, again, depending on model specification.

Linking Tourist Willingness to Pay and Beach Management: A Travel Cost Analysis for Balandra Marine Park, Mexico

Balandra, one of the most popular beaches in La Paz, Baja California Sur, was declared a flora and fauna protection area in 2012, and in 2019, the Mexican government chose it as the best beach in Mexico during the Tianguis Turistico celebrated on that year. Because of this latter distinction, this beach currently faces overcrowding. Formulating effective management policies depends, to a certain extent, on the knowledge of their recreational value and visitor characteristics. Recreational value allows us to know the benefits of the tradeoffs among the ecosystem services and society and exhibit the value of possible damages to marine ecosystems, like the one caused in 2022 by the fire of a tourist boat inside Balandra. Using the individual travel cost method and applying 159 questionnaires to site visitors, the individual willingness to pay to access Balandra Beach was estimated, resulting in USD 11.11/day/visitor. Recreational economic value (REV) for Balandra was estimated using two essential criteria: first, the total visitors registered in 2021, and second, the daily maximum carrying capacity. Welfare recreational loss was also calculated, derived from the site’s two-month closure, using REV as a proxy. Finally, beach management options and possible environmental and economic policy instruments that could be implemented are discussed.

Resource Valuation of Kalilingseng-Cave Manganese Mining Site as a Tourist Destination Using the Travel Cost Method

General Background: Kalilingseng Cave, a former Dutch-era manganese mine in Kulon Progo, has untapped potential for educational and cultural tourism. Specific Background: Despite its historical and aesthetic value, the cave remains underdeveloped as a tourist site, lacking comprehensive economic valuation. Knowledge Gap: Prior research has not addressed the cave's economic potential as a tourism destination, leaving a gap in understanding its full value. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the tourism potential of Kalilingseng Cave using SWOT analysis and estimate its economic value through the Travel Cost Method (TCM). Results: The SWOT analysis highlights the cave’s accessibility and proximity to public facilities. TCM results show an average WTP of IDR 67,000.00, with annual economic benefits of IDR 21,775,000.00. Novelty: This research uniquely integrates SWOT and TCM to assess the tourism potential of an abandoned mining site. Implications: Proper development could make Kalilingseng Cave a sustainable tourist destination, benefiting the local economy and supporting geotourism education. Highlights: Tourism Potential: Kalilingseng Cave's historical and aesthetic value positions it as an educational and geotourism destination. Economic Valuation: The Travel Cost Method reveals an annual benefit of IDR 21,775,000.00 from visitors, indicating potential for community development. SWOT Insights: The SWOT analysis highlights strengths like accessibility and opportunities for geotourism while addressing weaknesses such as poor air circulation and lack of official management. Keywords: Ex-Manganense Mining, Kalilingseng, SWOT, Travel Cost Method

Environmental Valuation of Wastewater Used in Agricultural Production

In recent years, problems related to the adequacy of existing water resources have arisen due to issues such as population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. Especially in agricultural production where water is used the most, the use of wastewater has become widespread as a solution to this problem. Considering that wastewater may harm the environment due to the substances it contains, it is aimed to make an environmental valuation in this study. In this context, by using the travel cost method used in the valuation of goods without a market, a different approach was brought to this method, as agricultural production is concerned, and an evaluation was made based on producer surplus. In the study, by comparing the agricultural productions with wastewater and well water, 2 hypotheses have been developed about the environmental valuation of wastewater; First, if the producer surplus of agricultural production with wastewater is lower than that of production with well water, there is environmental pollution, and its value is the difference between the two rents. The second hypothesis is that if the producer's surplus with wastewater is high, positive externality will occur as a hypothesis against the negative effects of environmental pollution. By conducting a survey with 125 producers in the research area, the data of 314 parcels in total were included in the analysis, and the producer surplus was calculated by creating the supply function with the regression analysis. As a result of the research, the producer surplus (584.40$) obtained from the agricultural production made by irrigating with wastewater was found to be higher than the producer surplus (553.44$) of the production made by irrigating with well water. In this case, it was concluded that the wastewater irrigated did not affect the environmental pollution, but the positive externality. Although the use of wastewater in agricultural production has made a positive contribution to the economy, it will be beneficial to use it after the necessary treatment processes, considering its harmful effects on human health.

Economic valuation of cultural ecosystem services: A case of tropical reservoir ecosystem

Aim: This study analyzes the economic value of ecotourism in the Peechi reservoir of Kerala, focusing on cultural ecosystem services (CES) provided by the reservoir. Methodology: Consumer surplus of visitors visiting the reservoir was estimated using travel cost methodology, employing both primary and secondary data collection methods. Results: Peechi reservoir attracts an average of 165,061 visitors annually, generating revenue of ₹29,03,631.88 and ₹3,35,434.38 as entry and parking fees, respectively. Applying travel cost methodology, the total economic value of ecotourism at Peechiwas estimated at ₹32,39,066.25 per year. The estimated potential economic value of the Peechi reservoir was ₹120,309,765 with a consumer surplus of ₹757.58. Interpretation: The CES offered by the reservoir ecosystem have not received enough attention. Recognizing the intrinsic value of these under appreciated services can serve as a powerful catalyst for their conservation, fostering a cycle of awareness, informed decision making, and responsible tourism, ultimately paving the path towards sustainable development. Key words: Cultural ecosystem services, Ecotourism, Monetary valuation, Reservoir, Travel cost method

Estimating the value of self‐drive recreation in the remote Kimberley: Sensitivity to multi‐destination trips

AbstractThe remote and iconic Kimberley region, in northern Western Australia, is a contested landscape with growing pressure for different types of land use and development. The region has high biodiversity values and impressive scenery that provide attractive recreation experiences for visitors. We estimate the value of domestic recreation to the region using a travel cost model. Analysis includes two approaches for accounting for multi‐destination trips (MDTs) given travel to remote sites are more likely to include these than shorter trips, and four specifications for the value of travel time. We estimate a total consumer surplus of A$110.34 million annually and find that adjusting travel costs for MDTs using stated survey information produces a better fitting model than using revealed travel information. These findings highlight both the importance of estimating recreation values for use in land use planning in the Kimberley and for improving the travel cost method for remote sites where per‐trip travel costs are high.

Economic Valuation of Kelapa Island Tourism Area Bima Regency 2024

This study aims to analyze the economic value of Kelapa Island tourism area using the Travel Cost Method and Contingent Valuation Method approaches and identify factors that influence the frequency of tourist visits in the Kelapa Island tourism area, Lambu, Bima Regency. The type of research used is quantitative by determining 90 respondents who traveled to Kelapa Island. This research was conducted in the Kelapa Island tourist area, Lambu District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The sampling method used was purposive sampling. The data used in this study are primary data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation with data collection tools in the form of questionnaires. The analytical tool used is SPSS 16 with data analysis using multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that the economic value of the Kelapa Island area using the Travel Cost Method approach amounted to IDR 212,911,666, while the economic value of conservation and development of the Kelapa Island area using the Contingent Valuation Method approach amounted to IDR 10,894,000. Factors that influence the frequency of visits are travel costs, age, income, and facilities.

Evaluation of environmental assets value on Borneo using the travel cost method

Evaluation of environmental assets value on Borneo using the travel cost method

Review of forest ecosystem services evaluation studies in East Africa

The East African region hosts diverse forest ecosystems, such as woodlands, highland forests, and coastal mangrove forests. These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and support various plant and animal species. They provide essential resources, benefiting livelihoods directly and indirectly. Examining regional and global variations in forest ecosystem valuation, especially regarding livelihood benefits, is crucial for sustainable resource management aligned with forest-based climate solutions. The aim of this review is to assess how regional contextual factors and global trends impact the valuation of ecosystem services (ES) in East Africa, with two main objectives (1) to identify the most evaluated ES in East Africa and (2) to identify the preferred ES valuation methods and approaches applied in East Africa. Data from the Web of Science/Clarivate platform was used in the systematic review process using the Reporting standard for Systematic Evidence Syntheses to retrieve and analyse 222 articles. The ES were categorized using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework and the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services in order to create a review database. Provisioning services i.e., wood biomass and food production were the most assessed at 55%, followed by 30% regulating services i.e., carbon storage, 8.6% support services i.e., habitat and 6.4% cultural services i.e., ecotourism which reflected communities’ direct reliance on forest resources. The preferred direct ES valuation techniques included market price at 14.9% for assessing provisioning services and travel cost methods at 10.4% for cultural services. Amongst the indirect ES valuation techniques, remote sensing at 14.7% were preferred as they proved efficient for large and remote tropical forest areas. Participatory methods such as interviews at 11.8% were also preferred because they offer holistic perspectives on community priorities. This review provides spatial context on the regional priorities of ES valuation which is vital for safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

Ecosystem services valuation of Paryavaran Park of Balod District in Chhattisgarh

This study provides a detailed ecosystem valuation of Paryavaran Park in Balod, Chhattisgarh, India, assessing its economic and ecological significance. Based on the Travel Cost Method (TCM), the park’s annual economic value is estimated at Rs. 10,39,293 with 28,089 annual visitors demonstrating substantial public investment in its natural and recreational amenities. The park features diverse attractions, such as a butterfly garden and medicinal plants, which enhance its appeal. Ecologically, the study evaluates the park’s contribution to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. The park’s tree species collectively sequester 16,835.80 kg of carbon, translating to a monetary value of Rs. 1,25,763 based on the Social Cost of Carbon. The findings emphasize the importance of preserving and enhancing such green spaces, which play a critical role in urban sustainability. This study underscores the necessity of recognizing and monetizing the ecological services provided by urban parks, which are instrumental in combating climate change and enhancing the quality of life in urban areas. The data-driven approach reinforces the park’s multifaceted importance and supports strategies for sustainable management and conservation.

DOES THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF THE PRAMBANAN TEMPLE REFLECT ITS HERITAGE VALUE?

<p>This study aims to estimate the economic value of the Prambanan Temple tourist attraction using the Travel Cost Method (TCM). The visitor willingness to pay for entrance tickets is used to reflect the economic value of the Prambanan Temple's cultural heritage, assessed with the Individual Travel Cost Method (ITCM) approach. The analysis utilizes Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The study included 186 respondents. Total visitor willingness to pay for the Prambanan Temple is Rp 10,747,976 ($688.57), with an average visitor willingness to pay of Rp 57,753 ($3.70) per visit. The current entrance ticket price is Rp 50,000 ($3.22). This suggests that the value of the Prambanan Temple's cultural heritage to visitors is higher than the current ticket price. The consumer surplus generated by the 186 respondents is Rp 1,399,358 ($89.65), with a consumer surplus per individual of Rp 7,492 ($0.48). </p>

ANALISIS DATA PANEL TRANSMISI HARGA BERAS DI PROVINSI LAMPUNG

The aims of this research are to examine the transmission of rice prices from the producer (miller) level to the consumer vertically, and to analyze the factors that influence determination of rice princes at the producer (miller) level in Lampung Province. The type of method applied in this research was descriptive research with quantitative approach. Data analysis was carried out using panel data from January 2020 to December 2022 fron 15 regencies/cities in Lampung Province. In addition, the data in this research was also analyzed by using Asymmetric Error Correction Model (AECM) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The results obtained in this research indicate that a symmetrical transmission pattern of rice prices in the short term and an asymmetrical transmission pattern in the long term are occured in Lampung Province. Factors that influence the price of rice at the producer (miller) level in Lampung Province are the consumer price of rice, the price of imported rice, rice consumption, and the producer price of corn.Key words: economic valuation, travel cost method, visitor satisfaction

Valuing wildlife sightings at the species-wide and individual animal levels: an approach and application to bear viewing in Yellowstone National Park

ABSTRACT Wildlife viewing is a popular recreation activity in parks and protected areas around the world, yet information on the nonmarket value that visitors derive from viewing specific species, and how that value is affected by small-scale population changes, is lacking. We devised an approach to fill the gap. First, we applied the travel cost method to obtain the value of a wildlife viewing trip. Next, we estimated a value per animal sighting, which we aggregated by the number of visitors who experienced and valued a sighting. Finally, we incorporated the probability of viewing an animal to determine an individual animal’s contribution to sighting value, which varies by species type, visibility, and seasonality. We examined bear viewing in Yellowstone National Park. For grizzly and black bears, respectively, per-sighting values are $16 and $14, aggregate annual sighting values are $6.9 and $9.7 million, and annual per-bear viewing values are $46,000 and $15,000.

Pendekatan Travel Cost Method (TCM) Dalam Pengukuran Nilai Ekonomi Kawasan Agrowisata Tuur Ma’asering Di Desa Kumelembuai Kecamatan Tomohon Timur Kota Tomohon

This study aims to estimate the economic value of Agrowisata Tuur Ma’asering using the Travel Cost Method (TCM) approach and to analyze the factors affecting the demand for visits to Agrowisata Tuur Ma’asering. The research was conducted over 3 months, from February to May 2024. Data collection was performed using a survey method, gathering both primary and secondary data. Sampling was done using accidental sampling techniques, with the sample size determined by a linear time function formula, resulting in 58 respondents. The research method employed is quantitative, utilizing the travel cost method (TCM) and multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicate that the economic value of Agrowisata Tuur Ma’asering, calculated using the Travel Cost Method (TCM), is IDR2,027,876,535. This value is derived from the consumer surplus per individual per month of IDR345,759, multiplied by the number of visitors in April 2024, which is 5,865 visitors. Factors influencing the demand for visits to Agrowisata Tuur Ma’asering include travel costs, income, education level, and group size. Factors that do not have a significant impact are travel distance and age.

Quantifying intangible values of wetlands as instrument for conservation in the Po delta park (Italy)

Wetlands possess intangible values that are usually overlooked in decision-making processes. Based on questionnaire surveys, this work aims to quantify both the non-use and cultural values provided by the different wetlands of the Po Delta Park (Northern Italy), selected as ideal case study, using willingness to pay (WTP) for wetland conservation and travel cost methods, respectively. Their relationships with socio-economic variables and respondents' preferences for current and future use were also analysed. The 61.39% of participants were willing to pay a mean amount of 95.8 € (±40). The average travel cost was 38.68 € (±6.24), with higher values observed for environmental experts than for other citizens. Wetlands differ significantly in travel costs, current and future use, but not in WTP. Poisson regressions showed that non-use and cultural values were significantly dependent on personal information, preference variables and travel distance. Intangible dimensions, such as bequest and existence values, showed higher valuations/rates than option and direct use values. The results highlight that perceptions of the intrinsic value of nature are influenced by demographic characteristics, distance from the area and desired future uses. Non-use values seem abstract and generalised to the whole area, regardless of the ecological characteristics of the wetland, even though a significant relation to wetland uses was observed. In contrast, cultural values are tied to specific wetlands, as indication of the importance of historical relationships between people and nature. Such findings underline that the different dimensions of intrinsic value of nature may act at different scales and help decision-makers to incorporate such values into environmental accounting.

Recreational value of different coral reefs richness levels in Oman

Coral reefs in Oman boast remarkable biodiversity and distinct features, yet their economic contribution remains largely unexplored, making this topic seriously under-researched. This study addresses this gap by aiming to estimate the recreational value of ecosystem services offered by natural and artificial coral reefs along Oman's coastline, a valuable asset that falls under the category of public goods that has never been assessed. Moreover, the study delves into the impact of varying reef richness levels, indicating biodiversity levels, on overall recreational value in this seldom-studied region with significant coral reef resources. Notably, this research marks the first attempt in the literature to examine the influence of different richness levels of reefs on recreational value. A survey was conducted to evaluate the recreational value of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs using Travel Cost Method. Coral reefs are found to provide an annual consumer surplus of 187,763 OMR (about 487,727 USD), emphasizing their substantial economic value. Greater biodiversity within a reef corresponds to a higher preference among recreationists, leading to increased economic benefits and enhanced consumers satisfaction. The substantial increase in recreational demand at sites with high reef richness levels underscores the importance of these ecosystems not just for their intrinsic natural value but also for their contribution to the tourism sector. It is essential for decision-makers to focus on the preservation of existing coral reefs as a primary concern, prior to contemplating the creation of additional reefs to enhance marine tourism. Managerial implications•Coral reefs not only draw more recreationists but also significantly enhance consumer surplus and satisfaction•The richer the biodiversity of a reef, the more it is preferred, deriving greater economic value and consumer satisfaction•Oman's coral reefs provide a consumer surplus of 187,762.955 OMR (487,726.84 USD), emphasizing their economic significance•Policymakers should prioritize maintaining existing coral reefs before considering the development of new ones•Conserving and enhancing coral reefs is crucial for ecological and economic reasons, benefiting tourism-related activities

Exploring the influence of activity participation on the economic value of nature-based recreation in the Sierra Nevada

A more comprehensive understanding of how recreational values and forest visitation rates vary across different activities enables forest managers to tailor conservation and management strategies to align with preferences among visitors, ensuring more effective allocation of budgetary resources. However, current research often focuses on only a few recreational activities, resulting in limited insights for forest managers. This study aims to expand the nature-based activities considered so that management can better serve the broader public. We conduct a travel cost analysis using a large survey-based dataset to estimate the value of nature-based recreation in national forests in the Sierra Nevada region and assess how these values differ across main activities. We categorize recreational activities into five broad groups (Passive, Active, Camping, Winter, and Other) to offer a comprehensive view of recreational preferences. A truncated negative binomial regression accounting for endogenous stratification is used to analyze the relationship between the number of trips to the forests, travel cost, activity categories, and socio-demographic variables. Our results suggest a mean consumer surplus (CS) of $65 per visit per person to national forests in the Sierra Nevada. Aggregated over annual per person visits, the total CS is approximately $313.3 million per year. Our findings reveal variations in CS across activity groups, with winter activities (e.g., skiing, snowboarding) and active activities (e.g., hiking, fishing) attracting the highest number of visits, and the highest total CS. Our results provide valuable insights for national forest managers, facilitating the strategic allocation of limited resources to recreational activities that maximize societal welfare.