The altered perceptions of visitors to national parks: A comparison between a pre- and post-covid-19 periods

Abstract

The heightened valuation of natural resources and conservation by visitors in the post-COVID-19 period calls for policymakers to implement measures that ensure natural areas are maintained with adequate service and facility provisions. While previous research on national parks (NPs) has focused on visitor satisfaction and return visit intentions, no studies to date have explored the differences in visitor perceptions of park conservation efforts before and after COVID-19. This study investigates how repeat visitors perceived conservation efforts concerning natural resources, facilities, and services before and after the pandemic. A sample of 1016 visitors was surveyed across three national parks using a QR code questionnaire. Results varied across the post-COVID-19 phases, showing significant shifts in the sociodemographic profile of visitors compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Furthermore, perceptions of natural resource conservation, facilities, and services changed, with variations dependent on the pandemic phase. An exploratory factor analysis revealed two key constructs that explain the primary services and facilities, contributing valuable insights to the literature on national park management.