Attitudes towards commercial recreation on public conservation lands Research Completed

Title

Attitudes towards commercial recreation on public conservation lands

Lead Author

Kay Booth , Kerry Wray

Organisation(s)

Department of Conservation

Publication Year

2010

Publisher

Department of Conservation

Contacts

Kay Booth, Lindis: kay@lindis.co.nz

 

Abstract

The demand for, and importance of, commercial recreation on public conservation lands in New Zealand has increased rapidly in the past 30 years and commercial recreation is now (generally) an accepted use in these areas. Some aspects of the provision of commercial activities and services are controversial, yet little research attention has been given to exploring people’s attitudes towards them. This report reviews the ‘state of knowledge’ about the attitudes of visitors toward the provision of commercial recreation services on public conservation lands. Study methods comprised a literature review, the synthesis of preliminary findings from a doctoral research project, and a focus group workshop which provided a ‘sounding board’ for findings and conclusions. Thirteen topics were identified as relevant to consideration of commercial recreation: definition; growth and impacts; objections to commercial recreation (philosophical, threats to independent recreation, fear of ‘commercialisaton’, differences between commercial and independent recreationists); conflict/compatibility between commercial and independent recreation; effects which relate to a mulitplicity of factors; the need to manage recreationists’ expectations; providing opportunities—for whom?; cost-benefit analysis; equity of management for commercial and independent visitors; legislative issues; research quality; quality of tourism operations and concessions management; and the relationship with national identity. Overall, the study found that the topic is multi-dimensional, attracts differing and sometimes opposing views, and is potentially controversial. Recommendations for further research are provided.

 

Keywords:

commercial recreation, tourism, concessions, attitudes toward

recreation, public conservation lands, Department of Conservation, New Zealand

 

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2172

Added

May 1, 2012

Last Modified

May 2, 2012