Tourists' values and perceived appropriate uses of national parks

Abstract

National park managers must consider people's different values, beliefs, and attitudes in developing management plans and policies to justify providing opportunities for public recreation preserving ecological integrity. This study examines tourists' perceptions of appropriate uses of, and services within, national parks, which in turn are influenced by their value orientations. It then investigates how value orientations can affect tourists' perceptions toward appropriate uses of national parks. The article also identifies the mediating role of environmental concern on value orientations with regard to appropriate national park uses and services. Data from 379 tourists in Malaysia's Taman Negara National Park reveal that tourists perceive appreciative or passive activities as most appropriate and more consumptive activities, such as hunting and golf courses, as least appropriate. Results also indicate positive and negative relationships between value orientations and perceived suitableness of accommodations and services, activities, and facilities within national parks.