Tourists’ willingness to accept/pay increased entry fees for park improvement projects

Based on contingent valuation methods, this study examined visitors’ level of willingness to accept as well as pay an increase in the daily entry fee to be used for proposed improvements at Kafue National Park in Zambia. Data collection was conducted via visitor intercepts at international airports, recreation sites, and accommodations. Overall, both current and non-visitors were most willing to accept and pay for improvements towards natural resources and amenities, followed by visitor facilities and services, and road networks. Likewise, they expressed a willingness to pay a higher amount than the current entry fee, with the highest for natural resources and amenities.