Estimating the economic value and impacts of recreational trails: a case study of the Virginia Creeper Rail Trail

Author: Bowker J.M.   Bergstrom John C.   Gill Joshua  

Publisher: IP Publishing Ltd

ISSN: 1354-8166

Source: Tourism Economics, Vol.13, Iss.2, 2007-06, pp. : 241-260

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Abstract

Many communities are interested in developing and maintaining recreational trails to benefit trail users and as tourist attractions to stimulate economic growth. In this paper, a study is described which estimates the net economic value to trail users and the local economic impacts of the Virginia Creeper Rail Trail in south-western Virginia, USA. The monetary valuation results suggest that the trail is a highly valuable asset to the people who enjoy using it and to local businesses who benefit from trail-related tourist expenditures. The integrated valuation methodology and results can facilitate quantification of recreational trail economic benefits in other locations.