Profiling of Shelter Campers, Their Attitudes, and Perceptions towards Environmental Impacts of Campsite Use and Management: Evidence from National Parks of Sri Lanka

Priyan Perera (), Shashini Tara Mallikage, David Newsome and Richard Vlosky
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Priyan Perera: Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Shashini Tara Mallikage: Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
David Newsome: Environmental and Conservation Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
Richard Vlosky: Louisiana Forest Products Development Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 20, 1-19

Abstract: There is a dearth of research describing the campsite user segment and in assessing camp-site users’ perceptions of the bio-physical impacts of campsite use in Sri Lanka. Using a structured questionnaire, we evaluated campsite user characteristics, visitor motivations, behaviors, and how visitor experience is affected by visible biophysical impacts at campsites. Based on underlying visitor motivations derived through a Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis, we identified three distinct segments of campsite users: Eco-tourists, Prestige seekers, and Adventure seekers. Results indicate that the overall cleanliness of the campsite is an important attribute that affects the visitor experience. The Ecotourist segment reported environmentally desired motives, attitudes and behaviours. However, majority of campsite users belong to the Prestige-seeker and Adventure-seeker segments. Prestige seekers in particular demand better facilities and proper maintenance of campsites. Additionally, Prestige seekers are more attractive as a market segment to target because they are high-income, well-educated individuals with pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Recommended management actions include increasing visitor awareness, monitoring, zonation of activity areas, and enforcement of park campsite user policies to ensure enhanced visitor experience.

Keywords: shelter camping; rustic camping; biophysical impacts; motivations; visitor segments; campsite impact management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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