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

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  • Priyan Perera

    (Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
    Environmental and Conservation Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Priyan Perera & Shashini Tara Mallikage & David Newsome & Richard Vlosky, 2022. "Profiling of Shelter Campers, Their Attitudes, and Perceptions towards Environmental Impacts of Campsite Use and Management: Evidence from National Parks of Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:20:p:13311-:d:944151
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristinel Petrișor Constantin & Vasile Papuc-Damașcan & Andrei Blumer & Ruxandra-Gabriela Albu & Titus Suciu & Adina Nicoleta Candrea & Ana Ispas, 2021. "Profiling Visitors to Romanian Ecotourism Destinations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Jehn-Yih Wong & Ming-Lee Hsiung & Shu-Ju Lee & Chia-Ying ChouHuang, 2021. "The Relationship between Endurance Involvement and Travel Behavior in Camping and the Moderating Effect of Place Attachment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-16, April.
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