Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The aim of the research was to test and perfect methodologies currently used by environmental economists and policy makers around the world to measure the recreational use value of outdoor areas. The general conclusion drawn from this study is to be scrutinized by experts and used to help determine whether such procedures are reliable and applicable to other such outdoor areas. The research uses three different valuation methods - the contingent valuation method (CVM), the travel cost method (TCM) and a travel-based application of the contingent activity method (CAM) - to estimate the flow of user benefits from the Dartmoor National Park. The travel-based CAM is 'novel' and its performance is assessed in comparison with the more conventional CVM and TCM.

Main Topics:

The dataset contains three files : File 'daydnp.por' contains information from a sample of 298 day visitors about previous visits to the Park, socio-economic background, travel details and a 'willingness-to-pay' question. A 'day visitor' is defined as 'a visitor to the Park who has left their permanent home that morning and will be returning to it that evening'. File 'overdnp.por' contains the same information plus details of accommodation from a sample of 597 overnight visitors to the Park. An 'overnight visitor' is defined as 'a visitor to the Park who has stayed or will be staying overnight in a nearby holiday home'. File 'resdnp.por' contains information about outdoor activities, socio-economic background and the 'willingness-to-pay' question gathered from a sample of 85 visitors whose permanent residence is located within the limits of Dartmoor National Park.

Convenience sample

Face-to-face interview