Scenario-Based Estimation of Visitor Demand Change for Kafue National Park, Zambia

Authors

  • Brijesh Thapa Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Center for African Studies University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-8209, USA (352) 294 1656 Tel (352) 392 7588 Fax bthapa@hhp.ufl.edu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0163-5580
  • Gregory Parent

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2019-9973

Keywords:

Tourists, national parks, demand assessment, park infrastructure, Southern Africa

Abstract

Kafue National Park (KNP) in Zambia has the capacity to substantially increase the volume of visitors. To realize its potential, improvements in infrastructure, availability of information, visitor facilities, and wildlife are direly needed. In this context, this study conducted a visitor demand assessment for KNP to examine the viability of growth based on potential improvements: road networks, visitor facilities and services, and the natural resources and amenities. Data (N=2,395) were collected via visitor intercepts at designated sites within the country. The changes in allocation of visitor days to KNP in response to hypothetical improvements described in three scenarios were assessed. Findings illustrate the greatest demand would occur with increase in the improvement to natural resources and amenities, followed by visitor facilities and services, and roads. Hence, it is imperative to invest resources to protect and enhance its greatest asset—wildlife. Overall, this study provides baseline information to assist management and stakeholders, as well as position KNP in southern Africa. 

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Author Biography

Brijesh Thapa, Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Center for African Studies University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-8209, USA (352) 294 1656 Tel (352) 392 7588 Fax bthapa@hhp.ufl.edu

Brijesh Thapa, Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Florida. Overall, his research program's common theme is natural resource recreation and tourism management from a demand and supply perspective. Dr. Thapa has been involved in numerous research projects in Florida and other areas in the U.S. Additionally, he has been involved in projects in various capacities in over thirty developing countries in different parts of the globe to better understand myriad stakeholder perspectives, so that effective policies can be implemented to minimize negative impacts on natural and cultural resources; maximize economic benefits for locals; and optimize visitor experience in parks and protected areas. Dr. Thapa has also been involved in a range of projects at World Heritage Sites in developing countries with respect to tourism, cultural heritage, and natural resources management issues.

More recently, Dr. Thapa has been focused in numerous capacity building and institutional development projects with respect to curriculum development, research, and training in tourism, nature and cultural heritage conservation, and natural resources management. Currently, as a PI and CO-PI, Dr. Thapa has been involved in seveHe has received funding from United States Federal Agencies such as: Department of State, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Agency for International Development and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

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Published

2019-10-24

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 4 (2019)

Section

Research Notes

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