Awareness Of Visitors Research Articles

The Effects of Local Ecological Knowledge, Minimum-Impact Knowledge, and Prior Experience on Visitor Perceptions of the Ecological Impacts of Backcountry Recreation

An on-site visitor survey instrument was developed to examine visitor perceptions of resource impacts resulting from backcountry hiking activities. The survey was conducted in the Bear Lake Corridor of Rocky Mountain National Park, CO and examined visitor characteristics that may influence visitor perceptions of specific resource conditions. Findings indicate that visitors are more perceptive of recreation-related resource impacts that are the result of undesirable behavior and, while visitors do perceive resource impacts, visitors tend to be more affected by crowding. Factors such as local ecological knowledge and knowledge of minimal-impact practices positively influence visitor perceptions of resource impacts. These findings support the use of visitor education on ecological knowledge and minimum-impact as a means of increasing visitor awareness of recreation impact issues.

O USO DE GEOTECNOLOGIAS NA ANÁLISE DOS IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS NO SALTO VENTOSO (FARROUPILHA/RS)

O presente artigo objetiva realizar o levantamento dos impactos ambientais resultantes da visitação em um atrativo turístico, por meio do uso de ferramentas de geotecnológicas. O local de estudo foi o Salto Ventoso, localizado no município de Farroupilha no Rio Grande do Sul, que se caracteriza por ser um atrativo turístico de grande importância para a região. No local, que é uma área particular, a atração é uma cascata de 60 metros e sua paisagem cênica; além disso, os visitantes podem realizar uma caminhada pela trilha que passa por trás da cascata. A trilha foi mapeada, utilizando-se GPS (Sistema de Posicionamento Global), teodolito e fita métrica, e dividida em doze trechos, nos quais foram avaliados: declividade, largura, danos aos recursos naturais e infraestrutura, problemas de drenagem, número de trilhas não oficiais e quantidade de lixo. Os resultados demonstraram que o local apresenta uma série de impactos ambientais resultantes da falta de planejamento e da grande quantidade de visitantes. Algumas estratégias para manejo do local seriam a instalação de infraestrutura de sinalização e segurança, assim como um trabalho de sensibilização ambiental dos visitantes quanto aos impactos gerados por eles no local.

Quantifying the Role of Viewing the Denali “Big 5” in Visitor Satisfaction and Awareness: Conservation Implications for Flagship Recognition and Resource Management

Wildlife viewing is a primary attraction at Denali National Park (DNP), with most visitors wishing to observe the “Big 5”: grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Dall sheep (Ovis dalli dalli), and moose (Alces alces gigas). This study explored the role of individual “Big 5” species on (a) visitors' wildlife viewing satisfaction, (b) overall trip satisfaction, and (c) awareness of fundamental purposes for establishing DNP (i.e., enabling legislation). Data were obtained from 582 DNP visitor surveys during 2007. Grizzly observations yielded significantly higher levels of wildlife viewing satisfaction than all other species except caribou. No significant difference was found between species for overall trip satisfaction. Awareness of enabling legislation improved with higher levels of satisfaction and number of species observed. Grizzly bear and caribou are recommended as flagship species. This could increase viewing opportunities and visitor satisfaction within an experienced-based management framework.

From Analog Prototypes to Digital Drawing in the Gallery

The You Are Here digital drawing interactive is one of the most successful interpretive elements in the renovated Oakland Museum of California Gallery of California Art. This interactive grew from considering how visitors could see themselves in the gallery and how visitor awareness of the creative process could be increased. The renovation project of the Gallery of California Art included prototyping, evaluating, and developing this digital activity for the gallery. Bringing the making of art into the gallery is an important change from the usual scenario of having hands-on activities in a separate room away from the exhibition space.

From Analog Prototypes to Digital Drawing in the Gallery

The You Are Here digital drawing interactive is one of the most successful interpretive elements in the renovated Oakland Museum of California Gallery of California Art. This interactive grew from considering how visitors could see themselves in the gallery and how visitor awareness of the creative process could be increased. The renovation project of the Gallery of California Art included prototyping, evaluating, and developing this digital activity for the gallery. Bringing the making of art into the gallery is an important change from the usual scenario of having hands-on activities in a separate room away from the exhibition space.

Skier and Snowboarder Motivations and Knowledge Related to Voluntary Environmental Programs at an Alpine Ski Area

Many alpine ski areas have recently adopted voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) such as using recycling, renewable energy, and biofuels to help reduce their environmental impacts. Studies have addressed the performance of these VEPs in mitigating environmental impacts of this industry, but little is known about visitor awareness and perceptions of these programs. This article addresses this knowledge gap by exploring skier and snowboarder knowledge of VEPs at a ski area and the influence of these programs on their motivations to visit this area currently and behavioral intentions to visit again in the future. Data were obtained from an onsite survey at the Mt. Bachelor ski area in Oregon, USA (n=429, 89.7% response rate). Few skiers and snowboarders were knowledgeable of VEPs at this area and fewer than 20% were motivated to visit on their current trip because of these programs. Other attributes such as scenery, snow conditions, and access were more important for influencing visitation. Up to 38% of skiers and snowboarders, however, intend to visit this ski area more often if it adopts and promotes more VEPs. Managers can use these results to inform communication and marketing of their environmental programs and performance to visitors. Additional implications for management and future research are discussed.

World Heritage Site: an effective brand for an archeological site?

This study examines whether branding archeological sites as World Heritage Sites (WHSs) will affect potential demand patterns. The study's research objectives are (1) to explore awareness of potential visitors to the brand and logo of WHS; (2) to investigate the effects of the designation on tourists' future behaviors; (3) to clarify whether the number of sites designated (3 versus 10) has an effect on future visitation patterns; and (4) to reveal possible relationships between the perception of a site as part of the world heritage and UNESCO's designation. This study commenced with an exploratory stage followed by administration of structured questionnaires focusing on inbound tourists to Caesarea, an archeological historical site in Israel. The findings indicate only moderate visitor awareness of the WHS title and logo, implying low brand equity as well as insignificant effects on future demand patterns. Moreover, visitors' willingness to pay (WTP) as well as overall motivation to visit seems to decline following the designation. However, visitors' perception of the site as world heritage is positively linked to WTP. The number of designated sites within a particular state is found to have a positive effect on future demand patterns. Based on the findings specific recommendations are offered.

Lightning Safety Awareness of Visitors in Three California National Parks

To assess the level of lightning safety awareness among visitors at 3 national parks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. A 12-question, short answer convenience sample survey was administered to participants 18 years of age and over concerning popular trails and points of interest with known lightning activity. There were 6 identifying questions and 5 knowledge-based questions pertaining to lightning that were scored on a binary value of 0 or 1 for a total of 10 points for the survey instrument. Volunteers in Fresno, California, were used as a control group. Participants were categorized as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI), frontcountry (FC), or backcountry (BC); Yosemite National Park (YNP) FC or BC; and Fresno. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences between groups. 467 surveys were included for analysis: 77 in Fresno, 192 in SEKI, and 198 in YNP. National park participants demonstrated greater familiarity with lightning safety than individuals from the metropolitan community (YNP 5.84 and SEKI 5.65 vs Fresno 5.14, P = .0032). There were also differences noted between the BC and FC subgroups (YNP FC 6.07 vs YNP BC 5.62, P = .02; YNP FC 6.07 vs SEKI FC 5.58, P = .02). Overall results showed that participants had certain basic lightning knowledge but lacked familiarity with other key lightning safety recommendations. While there are statistically significant differences in lightning safety awareness between national parks and metropolitan participants, the clinical impact of these findings are debatable. This study provides a starting point for providing educational outreach to visitors in these national parks.

Visitors’ perceptions on the management of an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta L.): The case of Rethymno coastal area in Greece

Tourism has important impacts, both positive and negative, on the management of coastal areas with high biodiversity value. It is therefore important to investigate visitors’ perceptions concerning environmental policy alternatives for these areas along with the factors influencing these perceptions. The present paper aims to investigate visitors’ perceptions of an important nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles located in a highly touristic area of Greece (Rethymno, Crete) registered in the Natura 2000 network. The paper focuses on the level of environmental awareness of visitors and their perceptions of two proposed policy instruments which will secure funding for the improvement of the environmental management of the area: an entrance fee to the beach and a tax to be levied on local accommodation costs. The influence of social and institutional trust on these perceptions is also explored. According to the results of the study, awareness of the existence of the Natura 2000 site was low. Furthermore, the accommodation tax was regarded as a more effective policy when compared to the entrance fee. Average Willingness to Pay (WTP) was also explored for the two policies, estimated at €1.13 for the daily accommodation tax and €1.59 for the entrance fee. The influence of social and institutional trust had a significant influence both on the perceived level of effectiveness of the proposed policies and the stated Willingness to Pay. The study concludes that the accommodation tax would be a more appropriate policy for the management of Rethymno beach taking into consideration visitors’ perceptions and the current level of trust.

The GeoCaF Project: Proposal of a Geosites Network at Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy)

Campi Flegrei is a 75-km2 volcanic area located to the west of Naples, Italy. Declared a regional park in 1997, this area combines fascinating geology with its unique long natural history, unique customs and outstanding ancient Greek and Roman civilization. Campi Flegrei comprises a substantial number of sites that are remarkable in terms of their scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal and educational value, most of which are valuable for their geological heritage, although their interest to scientists and the general public may also be archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural. The Campi Flegrei volcanic fields also represent one of the highest volcanic risk areas in the world. However, this fact is not fully appreciated by the inhabitants of the towns located within the area. All of these features make Campi Flegrei a very suitable area to be designated a volcanological Geopark, which would help to promote knowledge of the importance of active volcanoes in this area. A new detailed geological survey of the area has allowed us to identify many sites that are of high pedagogical and educational value. Using this survey as a starting point, we draw particular attention to seven geosites, namely, Cuma, Averno, Monte Nuovo, Solfatara, Piperno, Monte di Procida and Procida (GeoCaF network). All of these sites are also of lively archaeological and historical interest, as testified to by the numerous ancient documents collected and investigated during the research. Each geosite satisfies the criteria adopted for the most recent Italian geosites, i.e. representativeness, scientific interest, rarity, landscape value, educational value, accessibility, preservation and vulnerability. We therefore hypothesize a Campi Flegrei Geopark that includes these seven geosites, which are linked by roads and, occasionally, by collapsed tunnels that were dug in Roman times for military purposes. This geopark could represent a step forward in terms of the promotion of the geological heritage of this area by increasing the awareness of locals and visitors to future volcanic risks.

Escherichia coliO157: comparing awareness of rural residents and visitors in livestock farming areas

This research compared public opinions about Escherichia coli O157 (an increasing environmental hazard associated with livestock) in two farming areas with contrasting incidence of E. coli O157 disease. A questionnaire was administered in rural Grampian (10·8 cases/100,000 population per year) and North Wales (2·5 cases/100,000 population per year). Awareness was highest among farmers in Grampian (91%) and lowest among visitors to both areas (28%). Respondents were more likely to indicate vomiting (76%) than bloody diarrhoea (48%) as a common symptom. Undercooked meat and contact with farm animal faeces were identified by 60% of all respondents as risk factors who described 'basic hygiene' for risk reduction indoors. Visitors view E. coli O157 as a food hazard, not an environmental hazard that produces vomiting not dysentery. Efforts to reduce human infections in livestock farming areas could be improved with proximate reminders for visitors of the environmental pathway of E. coli O157 infection.

The implementation of research recommendations at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

A comparative study Biodiversity is not a static phenomenon and many variables have an effect on accelerated biodiversity loss. While most of the variables affecting biodiversity loss are caused by humankind, many species are affected by more than one variable simultaneously. Six fundamental causes for biodiversity loss have been identifi ed, namely unsustainable population growth and associated increased pressure on natural resources; a reduced spectrum of agricultural, forestry and fishery products; failure of economic systems to attach appropriate economic value to the environment and resources; inequality in ownership, flow and management of the benefits and utilisation of resources; insufficient knowledge in the application and use of resources; and legislation and institutional systems that promote unsustainable abuse of the environment (Middleton 2003:250). The worldwide loss of biodiversity makes the management of protected areas more important than ever. Protected areas are under increasing pressure to become economically viable and independent of state grants. Tourism creates the mechanism and opportunities for protected areas to increase their economic viability while advancing the appreciation of nature. The management of these protected areas therefore includes the management of visitors. South Africa is the third most bio diverse country in the world. Amongst a variety of nature conservation endeavours nine national botanical gardens are managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). One of the nine national gardens is the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden situated in Roodekrans towards the west of Johannesburg. A study was launched to determine preferences of visitors to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden by making use of semi-structured interviews. The purpose of the study was threefold. Firstly the study was launched to determine whether visitors to the garden had an increased awareness of the ideals of environmental conservation after their visit to the garden. Secondly, the study determined the spatial preferences of visitors to the garden which was thirdly correlated to the time that they spent at each area. A number of recommendations were made and a comparative study followed twelve years after the initial study in which the implementation of the resultant findings was determined through observation and a comparison of information pamphlets and garden layout maps. It was found that large-scale changes took place in line with the recommendations made after the initial study. These included the demolition of unsuccessful theme gardens and their replacement by topical theme gardens such as water-wise gardens and a garden that attracts butterflies and birds. The educational function of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden was greatly improved by adding more information plaques throughout the garden, a new interpretative centre and many additional information pamphlets that had been absent during the initial study. Major structural changes were made, such as the building of an amphitheatre which reduced the negative impact of noise and disturbance surrounding the nests of the Verreaux’s eagles that breed successfully in the garden. The changes undertaken at the garden show innovative improvements in line with the con servation principles outlined by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The evidence of the implementation of research recommendations from the initial study could play a direct role in improving the visitor experience, which would facilitate the economic viability of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in its endeavours to reach its conservation goals. Further research is suggested to continuously determine the areas of preference of visitors in the evolving landscape of the garden to ensure renewed interest of visitors to the garden. If botanical gardens want to succeed in their goal to increase the environmental awareness and consciousness of visitors, continuous visitor and tourism research is required to improve the visitor experiences that will result in drawing visitors in future.

Flying an amphibian flagship: conservation of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum through nature tourism at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico

The effectiveness of flagship species as a conservation tool is controversial, and amphibians are not usually regarded as meeting the strategic criteria that flagships demand. Capitalizing on the historical, cultural and economic importance of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, a conservation programme for this species and its habitat was developed using the Axolotl as a flagship. The threats to the lake are complex and stem from the unsustainable use of its resources. The needs and livelihoods of local stakeholders must therefore be taken into account before attempting to address the threats. The programme therefore focused on developing nature tourism by training local boatmen (remeros) in environmental interpretation. Surveys showed that the boatmen increased their incomes and job satisfaction after training, and that the environmental interpretation programme improved relevant knowledge and awareness of visitors. Although ongoing threats mean that reintroduction of captive‐bred Axolotls is not appropriate, zoos with captive populations of Axolotls supported the programme regionally and internationally by providing publicity, funds, staff expertise, training support and themed educational activities. By raising both funds and awareness for the wider conservation of Lake Xochimilco, the Axolotl is probably the first amphibian flagship to be launched successfully.

Cross-cultural Comparison Between Japanese and Western Visitors for the Effectiveness of the Hanauma Bay Education Programme

Hanauma Bay is one of the most heavily used marine preserves in the world, hosting visitors from primarily Western and Asian countries. To ensure sustainability, the state limits access and provides environmental education for visitors. This study assesses the cross-cultural differences between Japanese and Western visitors to the visitor education programme by examining attitudes to the educational film and reported recreation behaviour. In 2004 responses were obtained from 440 Japanese and 445 Western visitors on a 4-point ordinal attitude scale and yes/no dichotomy behaviour scale for 26 questions. Results indicate that the educational film is effective for both visitor groups in terms of attitudinal and behavioural improvement towards marine conservation in the Bay, as well as enhancing visitor experience. In particular, the film apparently improves Japanese visitors' conservation behaviour more substantially, compared to the Western visitors. Also, Western visitors are more likely to report higher ratings for everyday conservation behaviour, more motivation from environmental education, more satisfaction with the overall education programme, and more pre-knowledge about conservation, compared to the Japanese visitors. In conclusion, the findings illustrate the important role that interpretation can play in enhancing visitor experience and awareness, while protecting the environment. Based on the results, suggestions are made on how to incorporate cultural sensitivity in managing tourism sites that could enhance the effectiveness and value of visitor interpretation programmes.

A Public's Awareness of Regional Parks and Park Management Agencies with Implications for Management-oriented Interpretation

South Florida summer residents (n=1806) from five counties (Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties) were asked to recall the names of two units of the National Park Service and, when prompted, to recognize each of the four national park units located in south Florida. Only 8.4% of respondents could name two units of the National Park Service, yet when prompted many more stated that they had at least heard of the national parks in south Florida. Interpreters may be able to help raise visitor awareness of resource management issues by including information about the role of the agency in their talks or as part of their interpretive theme. Suggestions for further research and evaluation strategies are provided.

Understanding the Impact of Ecotourism Resort Experiences on Tourists’ Environmental Attitudes and Behavioural Intentions

This study explored the conservation benefits of environmental management practices and nature experiences provided at a major Australian ecotourism resort. To achieve this purpose the study investigated changes in tourists’ environmental knowledge, awareness, attitudes and behavioural intentions between pre-visit and post-visit stages. Overall, there were few statistically significant differences between the pre-visit and post-visit samples. This study found, however, significant effects of (1) visitor awareness of, and (2) involvement in, the environmental management practices, and (3) participation in nature tour activities on environmental attitudes and behaviours. It is suggested that awareness of in-resort environmental practices and satisfying experiences in ecotourism accommodation may lead to reinforcing visitors’ favourable environmental attitudes, thus increasing their interest in further ecotourism experiences. Through these cumulative effects, ecotourism accommodation could achieve its educative goal.

Pete's Story: Interpreting the Consequences of Risk–Taking Behavior

This article documents the initial evaluation of a trial “interpretive safety sign” at The Cougal's, a popular natural swimming area in Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. The interpretive safety sign details the consequences of risk–taking behavior in and around the cascades and rock pools at The Cougal's through the telling of a story of a person whose life had changed as a result of a swimming–related accident. The major objective of the study was to determine the effect the interpretive safety sign was having on visitor awareness and risk–taking behavior at The Cougal's. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 169 respondents, 63 of whom specifically included a swim as part of their visit to The Cougal's. Data interpretation suggests the sign is having a positive effect on visitor awareness about the dangers of diving or jumping into natural watercourses and on some swimmers' risk–taking behavior. However, data interpretation also suggests that the use of signs to promote awareness and appropriate behavior is still imperfect. While this finding may be more to do with the risk–taking propensity of some visitors, the use of an interpretive safety sign will assist visitors to make an informed decision of the consequences of misadventure.

Hosting a recurring mega-event: visitor raison d'être

Sports events have become ever more prominent as a tool to increase a visitor's awareness and as an attraction to a destination. This possible synergy of sport and tourism, through the use of various sports events, has become an increasing area of research. However, while research has been undertaken with one-off ‘mega’ or ‘hallmark’ events such as the Olympics or World Cup tournaments, little has focused on recurring mega-events in the same location, as tourism attractions. This research sets out to explore the profiles and visitor motivations of participants and non-participants to the Macao Grand Prix Golden Jubilee event, which has taken place each year in Macao since 1954. A recurring mega-event will have undergone a period of evolution and adaptation within its host community as a strategy of sustainability, which also raises issues such as its attractiveness, flow-on benefits, participant loyalty and repeat visitation, as well as the potential to explore newer tourist market segments. The results indicated that there are profile differences, with a degree of participant loyalty, and possibility to widen participant segments and duration in the destination. This reinforces the role and importance of an appropriate and suitable marketing and promotional strategy.

From Cultural Festival to International Sport - The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Races

Being the second largest industry in Hong Kong, tourism plays a major role in the territory's develop ment. For many tourists, Hong Kong is regarded as a gateway to China, as a shopping paradise and as a place where the east meets the west. However, lack of diversity in the tourism product and low visitor awareness of existing attractions and activities seem to be barriers to full development of Hong Kong potential to attract visitors. In its efforts to attract tourists, Hong Kong Tourist Association has embarked on range of activities exposing certain cultural events one of which is the “Dragon Boat Festival”. The paper explores the origin of this event which is in Chinese antiquity and examines the way it has been re-shaped and manufactured into an international water sport. The recent trends in its developments reflect the move from an event which has been originally classified as a cultural-based to “sports tourism” with its unique maintenance of traditional features.

Look who's visiting: supporting visitor awareness in the web

Individuals, groups and organizations host places in the World Wide Web to attract visitors, but once they have established a web presence they usually maintain little or no awareness of visiting activity. However, the standard web infrastructure supports the capture of detailed activity-related information. In the first part of this paper, we contribute a preliminary study conducted with expert web hosts in different domains, investigating the use of information on visiting activity as feedback for web operation. From this study, we infer general requirements for web awareness support, based on which we have designed two systems aimed to promote more awareness of web activity and visitors. The first is a system supporting ambient notification of web events, end-user configurability, and ambient display for overview and comparison of activity in a web place. The second system moves beyond awareness of web activity to provide glances into the visitors' sites, introducing reciprocity to the host–visitor relationship. Both systems have been prototyped and deployed in work environments for an evaluation in everyday use.