TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Assessing the recreational value of world heritage site inscription: A longitudinal travel cost analysis of Mount Fuji climbers

Jones, Thomas E.; Yang, Yang; Yamamoto, Kiyotatsu

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of listing on the recreational value of one world heritage site (WHS) using a zonal travel cost method (ZTCM) and investigates the spatial and temporal pattern of consumer surplus (CS) in each calibrated zone. Climber demand is estimated at Mount Fuji during consecutive summer seasons (2008-2013). Per capita visit rates from 21 origin zones are used to calibrate the longitudinal ZTCM with panel count data generating CS estimates in the seasons before and immediately after inscription. Findings suggest that the value did not fluctuate significantly after WHS inscription. Furthermore, we use spatial analysis tools in GIS to investigate the spatial distribution of zonal CS estimates. Two clusters revealed significant change: central Japan and the peripheral regions. This study’s originality derives from its hybrid, revealed preference approach to monitoring recreational value of cultural heritage, combining panel data with field surveys collected from Fuji climbers over six seasons.

Keywords

Longitudinal zonal travel cost method (ZTCM); World heritage site (WHS) inscription; Consumer surplus (CS); Panel count data estimation

Research topic

Tourist Flows and Location

Research method

Econometrics

Geographic area

Asia (excluding China)

Extra Information

Consumer Surplus Estimate of Zones after Mt. Fuji WHS Designation in 2013.

 

Additional links for this paper

ResearchGate

Publisher Website

Web of Science

HOW TO CITE

Jones, T. E.; Yang, Y.; and Yamamoto, K. (2017). Assessing the recreational value of world heritage site inscription: A longitudinal travel cost analysis of Mount Fuji climbers. Tourism Management, 60: 67-78.

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