Tourists’ aesthetic assessment of environmental changes, linking conservation planning to sustainable tourism development

D Le; Noel Scott; S Becken; R M Connolly

doi:10.1080/09669582.2019.1632869

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Tourists’ aesthetic assessment of environmental changes, linking conservation planning to sustainable tourism development

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Tourists’ aesthetic assessment of environmental changes, linking conservation planning to sustainable tourism development

D Le, Noel Scott, S Becken and R M Connolly

Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Vol.27(10), pp.1477-1494

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1632869

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Abstract

Business and Management

Tourism

Human Geography

aesthetic

conjoint analysis

Great Barrier Reef

natural beauty

World Heritage

tourism

sustainable development

Tourists often travel to experience the natural beauty of a destination such as the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia. This nature-based destination attracts millions of tourists every year because of its outstanding underwater aesthetics. Recently, parts of the GBR have been degraded by warming sea temperatures and other local anthropogenic influences, threatening the Reef aesthetics and tourism in the region. In order to deal with this topical issue, the current research investigates tourists' aesthetic assessment of environmental changes in the GBR ecosystem. Research outcomes indicate that tourists' perceived beauty of the Reef is sensitive to environmental changes. The disappearance of sea animals (colourful fish, turtle), degrading coral and decreasing water quality negatively influence their aesthetic assessment, which can reduce tourist visitation in the long-term. Hence, sustainable tourism development in the GBR regions can only be achieved when government support for environmental management is strengthened. Conservation programs of the GBR should expand beyond coral restoration for controlling water quality, reducing pollution and protecting aesthetically appealing sea animals.

Details

Title: Tourists’ aesthetic assessment of environmental changes, linking conservation planning to sustainable tourism development
Authors: D Le (Author) - Griffith University
Noel Scott (Author) - Griffith University
S Becken (Author) - Griffith University
R M Connolly (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Vol.27(10), pp.1477-1494
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2019.1632869
ISSN: 0966-9582
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450903402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism

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