Examining the Designation Effect of Marine Protected Areas: The Case of Akaroa, New Zealand

The designation effect of terrestrial protected areas (e.g., national parks) has an extensive literature; however, much less has been written about the nature of this effect in marine environments. This study therefore explores the relationship between marine conservation designation and tourist visitation in Akaroa, New Zealand. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a visitor survey (n = 106) and semistructured interviews with marine tourism operators (n = 12). The results indicate a moderate association between designation and tourist visitation with respect to the selection and purchase of marine tourism activities. In addition, the results identify areas of disagreement between the perspectives of visitors and marine tourism operators regarding the strength of this association. It is concluded that the conditions created by the designation exert a stronger influence over tourist visitation than the designation "label" itself.