Document Type

Report

Publisher

The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research

Publication Date

8-5-2014

Disciplines

Leisure Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the level of park support visitors have towards Yellowstone National Park. Because of budgetary cuts for public lands in the U.S., new methods and techniques are being explored to support management goals. Methods consisted of an online survey sent to four visitor groups: Yellowstone Association members, Yellowstone Park Foundation contributors and Facebook friends, Xanterra Parks and Resorts email listings, and the ITRR Panel. Results indicate a moderate level of support among all users, with joint members of the Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Park Foundation showing the strongest support. Cognitive and behavioral influences were measured to best assess how to predict park support. Significant relationships were found between support and all constructs measured. Future studies should aim to further investigate why people support national parks and what influences their decisions.

Keywords

Yellowstone National Park, visitor support, Yellowstone Park Foundation, Yellowstone Association, Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Geotourism, Place Attachment, Recreation Involvement

Comments

Research Report 2014-16

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