Hunting is an important activity for many BC residents, providing both food and recreational pleasures. It also serves to transfer funds from the more populous to the less populous regions of the province. Many of the most sought game species in BC are in decline, with an increasing share of hunts becoming limited entry (LEH). We use a choice experiment with LEH moose hunt applicants to explore how hunters value increasing the harvestable surplus, changing the probability of being drawn, changing governance, and increasing the share of license fees dedicated to game management. Using predicted mean willingness to pay estimated for each participating hunter, we find that as described, the changes have on average positive value. Trading between LEH draw probability and odds of harvesting is predicted to leave some participating hunters worse off. Combining changes can generate substantial value for participating hunters, and suggests that increased license fees would be acceptable if these desired changes can be achieved. Where such changes also result in more hunting trips, it is expected to generate increased economic activity in the less populous parts of the province.Management ImplicationsThere are several management implications that follow from our research.•For many hunters, engaging in hunting has value beyond harvesting game. Our results demonstrate that as currently managed, moose hunters in limited entry hunts in British Columbia would prefer to be given the opportunity to hunt more often, accepting a lower probability of harvesting a moose. The hunting managers can manipulate this tradeoff by placing more restrictions on the hunt that reduce the probability of a successful hunt, and increase the number of hunters able to go hunting. Based on the results, doing so would increase hunter wellbeing in British Columbia.While our empirical results are specific to moose, as more game species are managed through limited entry hunts, wildlife managers should consider the overall wellbeing of hunters as well as the sustainability of the managed species. There are various ways to allocate the sustainable harvest among hunters, some of which generate more welfare than others.•Specific to Canada, we demonstrate that moving to a game management approach more like that in many US states would be preferred to the present governance approach by many hunters. Quantitatively, our results suggest that if game management is moved to an arms length body of wildlife ecology and hunting experts, along with dedication of revenues collected from hunters to game management activities, British Columbia resident hunters would be willing to pay license fees similar to those presently being paid by hunters in nearby US states.This result does come with a caution. The willingness to pay for changes in management and in aspects of the hunting experience is increasing in income. This implies that such changes are worth more to people with higher incomes. Given that all hunters pay the same license fees, implementing a higher license fee would be regressive.•We use results from another survey of hunters to demonstrate the role that hunting in British Columbia plays as a mechanism for redistribution from urban to rural areas. This implies that policy changes that provide more resources for game management, which one hopes would increase the number of harvestable animals, would also serve to increase this redistribution from urban to rural areas. Such changes are therefore accomplishing more that simply improving the wellbeing of resident hunters.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a noticeable portion of the tourism flows have shifted from urban destinations to nature-based tourism destinations. The increased number of hikers to such regions, which manifests in a new form of overtourism, exerts pressure on the sensitive landscapes. This study examines these changes based on three mountain and natural destinations from the perspective of the local population. The automated text-mining approach of 996 open comments provides topics and sentiments using machine learning techniques. Results reveal insight into problematic areas (traffic, real estate, infrastructure, and behavior) and offer destination management organizations and local authorities solutions for the sustainable management of tourism flows in mountain areas to safeguard natural attractions for recreational purposes for future generations.
Aurora tourism is a popular and growing form of astro-tourism, which includes a variety of cultural ecosystem services (ES). Currently, there is limited knowledge about the cultural values underlying aurora tourism, or about the economic value of the experience from the perspective of the consumer. This paper applies a linked sequential analysis using non-monetary and monetary valuation methods to evaluate the underlying cultural ES values associated with, and mean consumer surplus (CS) of, basecamp aurora tourism in a case study, located near Reykjavík, Iceland. A field survey is used, including five-point Likert items designed for a cultural ES framework, and contingent valuation (CV) to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of aurora tourists beyond their ticket price of 4290 ISK (∼$32.69/€30.20). From a sample of 474 respondents, four types of cultural ES interactions were identified (‘aesthetic interaction’, ‘physical-emotional interaction’, ‘spiritual interaction’ and ‘intellectual interaction’). From a sub-sample of 360 respondents, the mean CS was estimated to be 2295 ISK (∼$17.48/€16.15), rising to 2801 ISK ($21.33/€19.70) on nights with visible aurora, and reducing to 1885 ISK ($14.35/€13.26) when the aurora was not visible. Appearance of the aurora significantly increased feelings of connection to nature, awe, happiness, calmness, sense of place, adventure, and a special energy. The results provide useful information about the underlying cultural and monetary values of basecamp aurora tourism experiences, including the significant role of co-production in value creation, which can have implications for the service design of aurora tourism operators as well as beneficiaries of the experience. By estimating some of the cultural and economic values associated with viewing the aurora in a tourism context, the study further contributes to the discussion about the value of dark skies, which is an increasingly popular regulatory topic for mitigating light pollution in rural communities with tourism-based economies. This study makes an empirical contribution to the tourism and cultural ES valuation literature, underpinning the aurora, and dark skies, as natural resources.
Outdoor programs for veterans (OPVs) support the physical and mental health benefits of nature-based experiences, seeking to mitigate the constraints to participation that veterans commonly face. But OPVs themselves often face organizational constraints to service delivery. The COMPACT Act of 2020 required the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an interagency task force to coordinate with public land agencies to enhance outdoor opportunities for veterans. A federal information request in 2022 asked veteran organizations and the public to identify constraints they experience seeking or facilitating outdoor opportunities as well as strategies for overcoming them. We analyzed public comments (n = 120) received in response to the information request. In their service delivery, we found that OPVs faced internal organizational constraints as well as administrative hurdles with both the VA and public land agencies. We described strategies identified by OPVs for negotiating these constraints. OPVs supported capacity-building initiatives to improve coordination, expand access to information, provide training, and identify mechanisms to support OPV programs. They also sought streamlined services to access VA grants and public land reservation and permit systems. Such improvements could reduce constraints to participation and promote improved veteran health.
Cross-country skiing destinations in low elevations are required to adapt and transform their infrastructure and management practices in the face of climate change. Adaptive capacity is a key concept for understanding how tourism destinations can respond to climate risks. This study aims to assess the adaptive capacity of German cross-country skiing destinations to climate change and to identify and analyze related structural strengths and challenges. A standardized survey was conducted to collect data used to develop cross-country skiing-specific indicators for analyzing key determinants of adaptive capacity. The survey was targeted at operators of cross-country skiing destinations across Germany, and a total of N = 42 responded. The data was quantified, normalized and aggregated to form a composite adaptive capacity index, which allowed the comparison of destinations and the analysis of structural conditions. The findings indicate that, aside from a few destinations that demonstrate high adaptability, most cross-country skiing destinations have only moderate to low adaptive capacity. Key structural challenges lie in the areas of technology (e.g., snowmaking and snow farming infrastructure), physical conditions (e.g., elevation and number of operation days), and the availability of localized climate and weather data. However, many destinations show potential in terms of social capital, such as networks and local value, as well as in existing tourism infrastructure, which could be leveraged to support transformation processes.
Soft adventure tourism encompasses activities that provide therapeutic benefits. This study develops a comprehensive analytical framework based on the interactive elements of “Place,” “Process,” and “People” and is grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model. Through quantitative analysis of data from 427 adventure tourists, three key findings emerge. First, the natural wilderness environment facilitates tourists' psychological recovery, mediated by perceptions of environmental restoration. Second, perceived challenges and social interaction positively influence tourists' positive affect, psychological resilience, and social benefits by fulfilling basic psychological needs, whereas risk perception does not play a central role. Third, an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between physical exercise intensity and health benefits, indicating that moderate activity yields the greatest gains. These findings collectively validate and refine the Place–Process–People framework by demonstrating that each dimension contributes to health through a distinct pathway: environmental restorativeness for Place, basic psychological need satisfaction for Process, and a non-linear dose–response pattern for People. This empirically grounded framework expands understanding of soft adventure tourism's therapeutic potential and offers actionable insights for designing health-supportive experiences in the global outdoor industry.
Sustainability has become an important factor in tourism, yet its impact on tourists' destination choices is not fully quantified compared to traditional attributes. This study uses an analytical and operational framework to compare environmental, socio-cultural, and economic sustainability attributes and tourist conventional attributes in influencing tourists' summer holiday decisions. The analysis is based on a sample of 2098 respondents from Austria. The study uses a MaxDiff experiment to derive individual-level importance scores for 18 destination attributes, for sustainable and conventional factors. Overall, conventional destination attributes such as scenery, climate, and value for money outweigh sustainability concerns, while socio-cultural factors receive higher importance among sustainable attributes. In an out of sight, out of mind manner, attributes are valued more when tangible to tourists, such as landscapes, than invisible factors like green electricity. A cluster analysis identified three heterogeneous tourist profiles. A traditional segment focusing on conventional and familiar experiences (44.85%); a pro-environmental cluster prioritising sustainable mobility (38.23%); and a balanced group valuing environmental sustainability with significant cultural awareness, and less emphasis on affordability (16.92%). The discriminant analysis revealed that transport choices, accommodation types, leisure activities, and income levels significantly drive differences among clusters. The findings indicate that socio-cultural sustainability aspects rank higher than environmental aspects. Two segments were identified that could be addressed specifically with low-impact mobility options and premium experiences that safeguard local culture and natural settings.
The use of digital technologies, such as smartphones, GPS, apps, social media, has significantly changed recreational use in landscapes. Not only have the possibilities for route selection, navigation and quality of experience changed, but the possibilities for conservation management have been significantly influenced as well. These changes are illustrated using the example of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and its habitat in the Donau-Auen National Park and digital data based on Strava, a popular fitness app. The data show a significant use of paths by outdoor recreationists outside the official trail system and a deterioration of habitats as a consequence. Against this background, challenges for recreational planning and the management of protected areas are discussed. Additional negative influences caused by climate change are likely to worsen the situation. Therefore, the protection of wet habitats of the pond turtle requires adapted visitor management and additional measures to ensure the reproduction of this endangered species close to the Viennese metropolitan area.
Mountainous areas are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, which can have environmental impacts on wildlife. We assessed research from the past 20 years about the impacts of recreation on mammals and birds in montane, subalpine and alpine zones using a systematic literature review methodology to identify trends and gaps. Such knowledge is key to developing strategies that balance recreation and biodiversity conservation. Research has concentrated on specific regions, seasons, infrastructure, activities and taxa. Most of the 108 articles reviewed were from Europe (50.0%) or North America (38.9%). Studies were primarily conducted in subalpine habitats (37.0%) and often focused on winter infrastructure such as ski lifts (19.5%). However, most studies were carried out during summer (51.3%). Research was not taxonomically representative but focused on cervids (Cervidae, 21.6%), canids (Canidae, 14.1%), felids (Felidae, 13.2%) and ursids (Ursidae, 11.1%). It included few species of high conservation value. Most research (70.7%) found significant effects, which were predominantly negative (53.3%). Infrastructure, such as trails, had the most evidence for negative effects, followed by activities such as hiking and skiing. Much of the research looked at impacts at individual (40.0%) or population level (27.3%) responses, such as behavioural changes or habitat reductions, with limited research on communities (4.0%) or for popular activities such as mountain biking. We invite researchers to close knowledge gaps on population- and community-level effects of recreation, to make use of emerging technologies, such as remote sensing, and to evaluate measures to assess their effectiveness.
Digital technologies have become increasingly embedded in mountain hiking, yet existing research provides limited systematic comparative evidence on how their use varies across different groups of hikers during multi-day and on-trail contexts. This study provides a structured mapping of digital tool use during multi-day mountain hikes and examines which demographic and experiential characteristics best explain variation in these practices.The findings show that digitalisation is well established in contemporary mountain hiking, but its uptake is unevenly distributed. Age emerged as the most consistent predictor of variation, with younger hikers using navigation apps more frequently even when controlling for other factors. Gender differences were also evident, particularly in the use of GPS devices, digital maps, and cameras, while education showed no meaningful association with technology use. Mobile coverage functioned as an important situational factor, shaping the use of several tools, and the relationship between experience and digital map use was non-linear, with medium-experienced hikers reporting the highest use.The study contributes systematic quantitative evidence to a field where much existing work is qualitative, case-based, or context-specific and demonstrates that digital tool use in mountain hiking is patterned by demographic characteristics and situational conditions. These findings highlight the need for further research on how digitalisation interacts with outdoor skills, safety practices, and hikers’ engagement with the landscape.
The aim of this article is to identify the sources and drivers of conflict and conciliation in the case of two glacier redevelopment projects, drawn up in response to operating difficulties caused by climate change–driven glacial retreat and the declining popularity of summer skiing. The ski area operators see these projects as an essential part of their move away from the “all-ski” model, increasingly considered unsustainable in the medium term. In the French Alps, they have often experienced strained relationships with the bodies overseeing neighboring protected areas. Based on 76 interviews conducted between 2020 and 2024 with ski area operators, municipal officials, protected-area managers, tourism professionals, and local residents, as well as media and archival analysis, this research examines these cases within the framework of environmental political geography to analyze the evolving interactions between stakeholders. Our results highlight contrasting dynamics. At Tignes, the Altitude Experiences project, developed in partnership with Vanoise National Park, illustrates a strategy of diversification and partial retreat, combining visitor awareness initiatives, institutional collaboration, and the removal of obsolete infrastructure. At La Grave, by contrast, the proposed extension of the cable car over the Glacier de la Girose has generated persistent opposition, legal disputes, and extensive media coverage, despite the inclusion of educational and compensatory measures. Overall, these cases show that while climate change imposes inevitable constraints, the strategies adopted reflect both obligation and voluntary choice. Yet decision makers remain divided and uncertain, torn between retreat, diversification, or continued investment in glacier skiing, which perpetuates tensions and controversy.
This study integrates multi-source data and advanced analytical methods to deeply investigate the spatiotemporal behavior, scenic emotional preferences, and influencing factors of rural hikers. Using Wuyuan, China, as a typical case, we employ hiking trajectory data and tourist geotagged photographs. The methodologies include empirical mode decomposition (EMD), complex network analysis, hotspot analysis, and deep learning-based techniques such as DeepSentiBank for visual sentiment analysis and fully convolutional networks (FCN) for image semantic segmentation. The key findings reveal a significant growth trend in rural hiking from 2018 to 2023, characterized by a "double peak and double trough" seasonal pattern. The COVID-19 pandemic, while not causing an absolute decline in participation, intensified seasonal concentration and temporarily consolidated spatial activity around central hubs before a post-pandemic dispersal, demonstrating tourism resilience. Spatial and emotional analyses of tourist photographs show a strong preference for Hui-style architecture and natural landscapes, with predominantly neutral and positive emotions spatially clustered in well-preserved and developed villages, while negative emotions are more associated with peripheral or rustic areas. Influencing factor analysis via the geodetector model emphasizes the paramount importance of tourism infrastructure (catering, accommodation), land use patterns, and regional market size in attracting hikers and shaping their emotional responses, whereas the impacts of economic development level, climate, and terrain features are relatively minor. By coupling objective spatiotemporal trajectories with subjective emotional data, this study provides a dynamic and integrated understanding of rural hiking tourism. The findings offer theoretical insights into tourist behavior and practical guidance for destination management, highlighting the need for strategic infrastructure investment, balanced spatial planning, and resilience-building to optimize visitor experiences in the post-pandemic era.
Tourism activities in sensitive environments, such as dune fields or beaches, can be a cause of complex conflicts between development and conservation. The Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve (Gran Canaria, Spain) has received millions of visitors since the 1990s, attracted by a combination of year-round sunshine, warm weather, dune landscape, and a wide range of recreational uses. The urbanization of the surroundings of the Reserve and the occupation of sections of the beach-dune system by kiosks and other equipment, together with regular “beach cleaning” using heavy machinery, constantly disturb and put pressure on this iconic site. Also, visitors entering the dune field often leave an important environmental footprint when they do not follow local environmental rules.This study the impacts associated with visitors that enter the dune field to go off-track and wander around protected and sensitive areas. Surveys were carried out in situ to understand motivations of people for leaving official tracks. Additional field work consisting of mapping environmental damages helped understanding the spatial distribution and characteristics of dune degraded areas (“degraded spots”). Results show marked differences between user expectations when visiting the reserve vs. goals set by local environmental management. Common visitors’ activities (e.g., partying) were completely at odds with the actual legal framework for the environmental protection of the dune field (e.g., habitats protection). The discussion reviews current conflicts and the need to adapt public uses to the carrying capacity of the dune ecosystem. We argue that the prevailing tourist-centric business-model in Maspalomas, which disregards fundamental principles of environmental conservation, poses significant detriment to local habitats, species, and the geomorphological integrity of this unique environment. A multi-stakeholder approach for conflict resolution could help management to strike a balance between public access and the need for meaningful environmental protection.
