Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science
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Pertanika · Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science

Official journal of Universiti Putra Malaysia for peer-reviewed research across tropical agriculture and allied agricultural sciences.

e-ISSN 2231-8542 ISSN 1511-3701
Research article

Recreational Economic Value of the Perlis State Park, Malaysia: An Application of Zonal Travel Cost Model

Syamsul Herman, M. A., Ahmad S., Ramachandran S. and M. Rusli Y.

KeywordsRecreation demand model, Travel Cost Model (TCM), functional forms, heteroscedasticity, recreation benefit
Article content

Abstract

Perlis State Park is known for recreational activities. Since there is no significant income from timber production for the state of Perlis, outdoor recreation provides the alternative source of income. Since managing a state park costs substantially, assessment of recreational uses justifies the initial cost. This paper, using the semi-aggregated travel cost method, estimates the recreational value of Perlis State Park for Malaysian domestic visitors. The recreational value of the park is estimated at RM5,340,642.48. The value derived from the study contributes to the stakeholders` assessment of the intangible value of the park to justify the ecotourism developmental cost. The valuation of the recreational activities in public parks reveals the non-market economic value of the park under certain type of management. This paper also emphasises on the importance of maintaining visitor arrivals as a means to sustain the recreational value.