Crowding and Visitor Satisfaction During the Off-season: Port Campbell National Park
Author(s)
Moyle, Brent
Croy, Glen
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2007
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Crowding in outdoor recreation has received considerable attention
in academic literature, in relation to its ability to cause both physical and
perceptual impacts. In particular, the influence of crowding on visitors’ satisfaction
has received much consideration. Nonetheless, these studies have focused
on crowding and satisfaction during peak periods of visitation. Focusing studies
on peak periods seems logical, as this is when a destination experiences
high visitation, and consequent potential for crowding. However, collecting data
during peak season has an important conceptual issue; visitors particularly sensitive
to ...
View more >Crowding in outdoor recreation has received considerable attention in academic literature, in relation to its ability to cause both physical and perceptual impacts. In particular, the influence of crowding on visitors’ satisfaction has received much consideration. Nonetheless, these studies have focused on crowding and satisfaction during peak periods of visitation. Focusing studies on peak periods seems logical, as this is when a destination experiences high visitation, and consequent potential for crowding. However, collecting data during peak season has an important conceptual issue; visitors particularly sensitive to crowding implement coping mechanisms, such as activity substitution and spatial and temporal displacement, and may not be on-site during potentially crowded times. This paper presents results of the influence of crowding on satisfaction during the off-season at Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia. The major finding was that relatively high levels of crowding were still perceived during the off-season, and the influence on satisfaction was apparent. A leading implication for protected area managers is the recognition that crowding is not limited to peak visitation periods. Consequently, crowding should be considered and managed during the off-season, when visitors sensitive to crowding are more likely to be at the location.
View less >
View more >Crowding in outdoor recreation has received considerable attention in academic literature, in relation to its ability to cause both physical and perceptual impacts. In particular, the influence of crowding on visitors’ satisfaction has received much consideration. Nonetheless, these studies have focused on crowding and satisfaction during peak periods of visitation. Focusing studies on peak periods seems logical, as this is when a destination experiences high visitation, and consequent potential for crowding. However, collecting data during peak season has an important conceptual issue; visitors particularly sensitive to crowding implement coping mechanisms, such as activity substitution and spatial and temporal displacement, and may not be on-site during potentially crowded times. This paper presents results of the influence of crowding on satisfaction during the off-season at Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia. The major finding was that relatively high levels of crowding were still perceived during the off-season, and the influence on satisfaction was apparent. A leading implication for protected area managers is the recognition that crowding is not limited to peak visitation periods. Consequently, crowding should be considered and managed during the off-season, when visitors sensitive to crowding are more likely to be at the location.
View less >
Journal Title
Annals of Leisure Research
Volume
10
Issue
3/4
Subject
Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services not elsewhere classified
Commercial Services
Tourism