Self-determined travel motivations and ecologically responsible attitudes of nature-based visitors to the Ramsar wetland in South China

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of self-determined travel motivations on the ecologically responsible attitudes of Ramsar wetland visitors. An on-site questionnaire survey was administered at the Ramsar wetland in Hong Kong to evaluate the self-determined travel motivations and ecologically responsible attitudes of visitors. The results show that Ramsar wetland visitors are likely to be motivated by intrinsic motives such as seeking relaxation and knowledge. Most visitors have a self-determined agenda for visiting the Ramsar wetland to fulfil their own intrinsically and extrinsically motivated desires. Our findings also suggest that the level of self-determined motivation is positively correlated with ecologically responsible attitudes, implying that if a visitor exhibits a high level of self-determined motivation to visit the Ramsar wetland, they also exhibit a more ecologically responsible attitude. The study concludes with practical implications for nature-based destination planning and management. This information can serve as an important reference for improving visitor management and planning in ecologically sensitive wetlands.