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COVID-19 Effects on Tourist Fees: Bolivia’s National Parks Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Stefanie Rakela

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Washington, DC 20036, USA)

  • Thais Vilela

    (Consultant, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA)

  • Sophia Espinoza

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Washington, DC 20036, USA)

  • Alfonso Malky Harb

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Washington, DC 20036, USA)

Abstract

Bolivia’s national parks, with their rich biodiversity and natural landscapes, have great potential to contribute to their own financial sustainability, and tourism is one of the most promising sustainable activities that can make this possible. Entrance fees to national parks are a vital source of income for the National Service of Protected Areas, yet a significant financial gap remains. This study estimates tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for increased entrance fees in two protected areas, comparing data from 2019 and 2023 to assess the effect of COVID-19 on WTP. Using the contingent valuation approach, we found that tourists’ profiles and their WTP have shifted between 2019 and 2023. However, there was no consistent trend across the protected areas, highlighting the challenges and specific impacts of the pandemic on tourists WTP. Nevertheless, the findings can help inform pricing strategies aimed at enhancing the financial sustainability of Bolivia’s protected areas, supporting broader conservation goals both nationally and globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefanie Rakela & Thais Vilela & Sophia Espinoza & Alfonso Malky Harb, 2025. "COVID-19 Effects on Tourist Fees: Bolivia’s National Parks Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1768-:d:1595161
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lin Song & Yi Xue & Yaqiong Jing & Jincan Zhang, 2021. "Visitor’s Willingness to Pay for National Park Entrance Fees in China: Evidence from a Contingent Valuation Method," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Stefanie Rakela & Thais Vilela & Sophia Espinoza & Alfonso Malky Harb & Carla Mendizábal Vergara, 2024. "Exploring Public Support for Bolivia’s Protected Areas: A Contingent Valuation Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, June.
    3. Chang-Young Jeon & Hee-Won Yang, 2021. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tourists’ WTP: Using the Contingent Valuation Method," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-14, August.
    4. Precious Chikezie Ezeh & Kaitano Dube, 2024. "Willingness to Pay in Tourism and Its Influence on Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-16, December.
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