Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

Developing New Visitor Counters and their Applications for Management Research Completed

Title

Developing New Visitor Counters and their Applications for Management

Lead Author

Cessford, G., Cockburn, S. & Douglas, M.

Organisation(s)

Department of Conservation

Publication Year

2002

Publisher

Department of Conservation

Contacts

www.doc.govt.nz

Abstract

Developing visitor flow models for managing visitors to conservation areas is not possible without accurate visitor count data from the field. However, obtaining such counts in a reliable and cost-effective manner has proven to be more difficult than may be expected.

Reasons for this are reviewed, and the features that park managers want in their visitor counting tools are discussed. Based on these demands, development of new visitor counters is underway, along with integrated systems for systematic collection and management of the data they provide. However, more effective direction is required from visitor flow models to guide the deployment of these new counter systems. This is an ongoing programme, and the presentation provided here summarises background information and progress to date.

Keywords:

Conservation, Parks, National Parks, Management, Visitors, Tourism

How to access

Areas of Focus

Population Groups

Settings (location)