Exploring the Economic Viability of Agro-Ecotourism as a Climate Change Adaptation Measure: A Travel Cost Approach

Wan-Jiun Chen, Jihn-Fa Jan, Chih-Hsin Chung and Shyue-Cherng Liaw ()
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Wan-Jiun Chen: Institute of Natural Resources Management, National Taipei University, No. 151, University Rd., Sanxia District, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
Jihn-Fa Jan: Department of Land Economics, National Chengchi University, No. 64, Section 2, Zhinan Rd., Taipei 116, Taiwan
Chih-Hsin Chung: Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Ilan University, No. 1, Section 1, Shennong Rd., Yilan City 260, Taiwan
Shyue-Cherng Liaw: Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 162, Section 1, Heping E. Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: In this study, we employ the travel cost method to assess the viability of agro-ecotourism in Yuanshan Township, located within the fragile Lanyang River watershed. The local development of agro-ecotourism is the emerging measure that meets forest conservation and soil and water management in steep slopes and viable adaptation strategies in response to the urgent challenges posed by climate change. However, for long-term success, the self-sufficiency and livelihoods of local communities must be prioritized, especially since these communities heavily depend on local resources for their livelihoods. The study site demonstrates the economic success of agro-ecotourism, which allows visitors to utilize local resources and is crucial for boosting the local economy, by applying the travel cost method. This study evaluates the economic value of local natural resources, highlighting that visitor expenditure reflects both recreational resource use and local adaptation measures. The findings indicate significant estimated recreational resource values of TWD 15,748.03 by the negative binomial count data model (1 USD = 31.15 TWD). The results suggest that sustainable local agro-ecotourism measures, balancing conservation and to adapting climate changes, can enhance the economy while supporting residents’ livelihoods in Yuanshan Township.

Keywords: climate adaptation; economic value; local industry; leisure; travel cost method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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