Environmental Attitude, Motivation and Place Attachment in a Wildlife Park

Abstract

Despite the significance of motivation in understanding the behaviour of tourists, its interconnectedness to environmental attitude and place attachment has been scarcely studied in nature-based tourism destinations, especially outside the western and Anglo western context. This study examined these constructs as individual variables as well as the inter-relationships that exist between them in the context of a wildlife park. Using a convenience sampling technique, 372 visitors were surveyed. It was revealed that visitors displayed more anthropocentric beliefs than ecologically favourable concerns. Their motivations centred on experiencing and appreciating nature, recreation, relaxation and education which are some of the core goals of the establishment of such areas as wildlife parks. The levels of attachment to the destination were however mild. The results further revealed significant associations between the constructs. The partial mediating role of motivation in the relationship between environmental attitude and place attachment was also reported. Appropriate conclusions were drawn and managerial implications were discussed.