Evaluation of Firefly as a Tourist Attraction and Resource Using Contingent Valuation Method Based on a New Environmental Paradigm. Issue 3 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hwang, Young Taek; Moon, Joonho; Lee, Won Seok; Kim, Seon A.; Kim, Jihee
• Is Part Of: Journal of quality assurance in hospitality & tourism. Volume 21:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 320
• Page End: 336
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Firefly -- contingent valuation method -- willingness to pay -- economic value -- new environmental paradigm; Hospitality industry -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Periodicals; Quality assurance -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1080/1528008X.2019.1663464
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1528-008X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic value of Muju (a county in South Korea) firefly (Lampyridae) designated as a natural monument in Korea. To estimate the value of firefly, contingent valuation method (CVM), an appropriate analytical instrument to estimate non-market value, was used. In addition to the main goal of evaluating the economic value, we also investigated how environmental awareness of respondents (measured by the New Environment Paradigm) affected their interest in paying for Muju firefly conservation. To estimate the traditional threshold of CVM, a two-step approach (using reaffirming questions) was employed. Our study results indicated that the economic value of Muju firefly was 17, 656 KRW (= 16.58 USD). Our results also reviewed that an eco-friendly attitude was more likely to increase participants' willingness to pay for firefly conservation.