Assessing the recreational value of world heritage site inscription: A longitudinal travel cost analysis of Mount Fuji climbers

• Published in: Tourism management (1982) 2017-06, Vol.60, p.67-78
• Main Authors: Jones, Thomas E., Yang, Yang, Yamamoto, Kiyotatsu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Consumer surplus (CS); Longitudinal zonal travel cost method (ZTCM); Panel count data estimation; World heritage site (WHS) inscription
• ISSN: 0261-5177; 1879-3193
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2016.11.009

This study evaluates the impact of listing on the recreational value of one world heritage site (WHS) using a zonal travel cost method (ZTCM) and investigates the spatial and temporal pattern of consumer surplus (CS) in each calibrated zone. Climber demand is estimated at Mount Fuji during consecutive summer seasons (2008–2013). Per capita visit rates from 21 origin zones are used to calibrate the longitudinal ZTCM with panel count data generating CS estimates in the seasons before and immediately after inscription. Findings suggest that the value did not fluctuate significantly after WHS inscription. Furthermore, we use spatial analysis tools in GIS to investigate the spatial distribution of zonal CS estimates. Two clusters revealed significant change: central Japan and the peripheral regions. This study's originality derives from its hybrid, revealed preference approach to monitoring recreational value of cultural heritage, combining panel data with field surveys collected from Fuji climbers over six seasons. •Investigated the longitudinal impact of WHS inscription on recreational value.•Domestic climber CS (2008–2013) calculated at Mount Fuji using ZTCM.•Results show post-inscription recreational value did not fluctuate significantly.•GIS spatial-temporal analysis found significant change in 2 zonal clusters.