Environmentalism and Tourists' Experiences on Swim-With Dolphins Tours : A case study of New Zealand

ISBN-13: 9783639118094 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 264 str.

Michael Luck

Opis

Over the past decades, the demand for nature-basedtourism has increased drastically, with aparticularly high demand for whale and dolphinwatching. This study examines environmental values,attitudes and behaviour of tourists on dolphin toursin New Zealand, and how they relate to their on-tourexperiences. A demographic profile of participantsformed the basis for these analyses, which employedthe New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) scale, theEnvironmental Concern (EC) scale, and the GeneralMeasure of Ecological Behavior (GEB). Factorscontributing to the visitor experience, includinginterpretation and education, tourist satisfaction,and perceived crowding were also addressed. Resultsindicate that tourists on dolphin tours generallyembrace high environmental values and attitudes,although their environmental behaviour does notconsistently reflect this. Demographiccharacteristics have insignificant influence on boththe environmental consciousness, and the on-tourexperience. Tour staff have good knowledge aboutdolphins, but respondents expect more informationabout the wider marine environment. Crowding is aminor problem that does not seem to influence theexperience.

O autorze

Michael Lück, PhD (Otago): More than 15 years of work experience
in the tourism industry (travel agencies, tour operator, guiding,
campervan rentals). Associate Professor and Head, Department of
Tourism & Events, School of Hospitality & Tourism, AUT
University, Auckland, New Zealand. Associate Director, New
Zealand Tourism Research Institute.