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Tourist value orientations and conflicts at a marine protected area in Hawaii
Author(s) -
Philips Li P.,
Szuster Brian W.,
Needham Mark D.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of tourism research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.155
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1522-1970
pISSN - 1099-2340
DOI - 10.1002/jtr.2311
Subject(s) - tourism , value (mathematics) , popularity , interpersonal communication , geography , coral reef , protectionism , recreation , social psychology , psychology , political science , fishery , business , law , archaeology , machine learning , computer science , biology , international trade
Marine tourism is increasing in popularity, which may cause conflicts among tourists who value different aspects of settings and experiences. Visitors surveyed before and after tours to Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District in Hawaii (USA) reported considerable (63%) in‐group conflicts (bump into people and rude or discourteous) between snorkelers and other snorkelers. One third of scuba divers experienced conflicts with other divers. Most conflicts were interpersonal (interactions between individuals interfering with experiences). There were fewer out‐group conflicts between snorkelers and divers (15–28%) and minimal social values conflicts (6–13%; negative preconceptions without interactions). Many visitors had strong biocentric and protectionist value orientations toward the environment and coral reefs, and these individuals were most likely to report conflicts.