Perceptions of Outdoor Recreation Opportunities and Support for Tourism Development

Abstract

Tourism and recreation development are viewed by many governmental jurisdictions as an important economic development strategy. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in the interaction between recreation and tourism, specifically the perceived impacts of tourism on recreation opportunities. To examine this issue, a random sample of residents in the Pacific Northwest was divided into three groups: (1) those who felt tourism did not reduce their outdoor recreation opportunities, (2) those who were neutral (neither increased nor decreased, and (3) those who thought tourism did reduce their recreation opportunities. Discriminant function analysis suggested the three groups have different attitudes toward tourism. Whether a person felt development of tourist facilities benefited recreation services accounted for the largest separation of the three groups, as this variable was entered first in the model. The study suggests tourism promoters, planners, and leisure professionals should work together to plan and develop tourism and recreation areas. Involvement of park and recreation staff in local planning and public policy efforts would facilitate the acceptance of tourism development by local residents and enhance the local quality of life.