Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

AN ECONOMIC VALUATION OF TOURISM IN CORBETT TIGER RESERVE, INDIA

Harshita Tewari and S.K. Srivastava

Abstract

Protected areas are the locations with recognized natural, ecological and cultural values. They provide a range of benefits to the society apart from bio diversity conservation. The recreation provided by these areas to the visitors is one of them. The protected areas are now developing as the outdoor recreation destinations. However, a limited number of studies have assessed the economic value of recreation of the protected areas. This study has been conducted in Corbett Tiger Reserve with the specific objective to estimate the recreational value of the reserve. The study has quantified the recreational value by using travel cost method which gives true estimation of the reserve when added to the revenue generated per year. The data used in the study is based on a sample of 120 visitors, both Indian and foreigner, of the tiger reserve. During the year 2011-12, the recreational value has been estimated to the tune of Rs. 6 million. This shows that the reserve not only generate revenue from tourism but also create hidden recreation of Rs. 6 million which makes it important to preserve the natural beauty and bio-diversity of the area. However, while making the policy decisions for the reserve, it has to be kept in mind that this study captures only recreational value, a part of total economic value of Corbett Tiger Reserve.