A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation of Willingness to Pay for Recreational Services: A Case Study of Nairobi National Park

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Periodical article

Title:	A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation of Willingness to Pay for Recreational Services: A Case Study of Nairobi National Park
Author:	Abala, Daniel O.
Year:	1987
Periodical:	Eastern Africa Economic Review
Volume:	3
Issue:	2
Period:	December
Pages:	111-119
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	national parks and reserves Economics and Trade
Abstract:	This paper examines factors that influence the willingness to pay for recreational services in Nairobi National Park. Econometric methods are applied to data, obtained through a field survey undertaken in 1983, from 333 Nairobi National Park users. The study shows that factors explaining the willingness to pay for park services fall into two categories, viz. the socioeconomic characteristics of park users, and the physical attributes of the park. However, it is probable that noneconomic factors also play a role in the determination of park users' willingness to pay for park services. The study indicates that park users' willingness to pay is affected negatively by congestion in the park, but that animals per se do not seem to be significant in determining park users' willingness to pay. Current gate charges should be raised to reflect the users' willingness to pay, since this will not affect the visit rate to the park. Bibliogr.