The Valuation of Recreational Value of Wiang Kosai National Park, Phrae Province and Lampang Province

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to valuate the recreational value of Wiang Kosai national park by individual travel cost method, and to determine the socio-economic characteristics and factors relating the decision of tourists for visiting Wiang Kosai national park. The survey was conducted by interviewing 330 respondents who visiting the national park during September and December 2012.

The study indicated that the most tourist was female. Most of them domiciled at Phrae province. The most of them aged under 21 years and were single. They were students with their average monthly income lower than 5,000 baht. Their education level was at bachelor degree and They received the relevant information from their friend, cousins and members of their families. They visited Wiang Kosai national park accompanied with their families and cousins, friend for taking a rest and conducting the recreational activities. Most of them used personal cars. They directly visited just only the national park and they prefered to return the place again.

Based on the individual travel cost method analysis indicated that factors relating the number of visiting to the national park were travel cost, age and income. The value of recreation of Wiang Kosai national park was 14,239,691.31 baht. Result of the study could be used for allocating optimal budgets for maintaining and developing the recreational areas, natural resources conservation, natural recreation sustainably. Also, to develop various mass medias related to the national park for dissemination of knowledge for tourists and to create awareness of natural resources conservation.

Keywords: recreation, Wiang Kosai national park