Spatial Patterns of Visitor Behavior: A Case Study of the North Carolina Zoological Park
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Keith G. Debbage, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: This paper explains the spatial patterns
of visitor behavior at the North
Carolina Zoological Park (NCZP). The
NCZP is one of the top ten tourist attractions
in the state, but it is unclear
what factors influence each individual 's
decision to visit the zoo. The research
reported in this paper partially confirmed
many of the theoretical expectations
about visitor behavior. Based on
the results of a visitor survey, the NCZP
is a family attraction that caters to a
largely well-educated and affluent audience.
Most of those surveyed came from
the nearby urban centers, while the rural
counties immediately adjacent to the
NCZP did not generate a large number
of visitors, in part due to their smaller
populations. Individuals may also require
a threshold in distance travelled
before a recreational day-trip becomes a
meaningful experience. Visitors w ith
above average income levels were more
likely to travel greater distances to visit
the NCZP, while education played a less
significant role in explaining distance
travelled. Although the NCZP is a statefunded
institution, visitors from the extreme
eastern and western parts of the
state are not well -represented. The remoteness
and largely rural nature of the
economy in these parts of the state, and
the lower income levels of individuals
from these counties, may act to constrain
individual mobility.
Spatial Patterns of Visitor Behavior: A Case Study of the North Carolina Zoological Park
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Language: English
- Date: 1990
- Keywords
- visitor behavior, North Carolina
Zoological Park, socio-economic
status, recreation, parks, zoos