Title: User value for Kumasi zoological garden, Ghana

Authors: Kwasi Larnyoh; Dadson Awunyo-Vitor

Addresses: Institute of Local Government Studies, Accra, Ghana ' Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract: This study identifies factors influencing the demand for recreation at the Kumasi zoological garden and estimates the consumer surplus for users. An onsite survey was conducted with the aid of a questionnaire to collect data from visitors to the zoo. Two stage least square (2SLS) and ordinary least square (OLS) regression was performed in a double log functional form. The result reveals that socioeconomic factors significantly influence visitation to the zoo. In addition, adult visitors enjoy a consumer surplus of GH¢29.21 per annum. Student visitors enjoy a consumer surplus of GH¢17.22. This suggests that the actual price paid by visitors to the Kumasi Zoo understates the true value they attach to such a visit. The study concluded that travel costs influence a visitor's decision to visit the Kumasi Zoo and that, generally, visitors are willing to pay a higher amount to enjoy the services of the zoo than they actually pay as gate fees. The study recommends an increment in gate fees for adults and students.

Keywords: consumer surplus; Ghana; Kumasi; recreational facility; zoos; user value; zoological gardens; socioeconomic factors; travel costs; gate fees; adults; students.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLTM.2016.077153

International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 2016 Vol.5 No.1, pp.79 - 95

Received: 22 May 2015
Accepted: 22 Mar 2016
Published online: 21 Jun 2016 *

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