Tourism Destination Management Strategy for Young Children: Willingness to Pay for Child-Friendly Tourism Facilities and Services at a Heritage Site

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Sep 28;17(19):7100. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17197100.

Abstract

The present study seeks to establish tourism destination management centered on young children for accessible tourism from a public perspective. Preferences for services and facilities for young children were identified using a choice experiment (CE). The present study was conducted at Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Suwon City, which leads the clean restroom culture. Overall, 1870 experiments were conducted with 374 participants to estimate their willingness to pay for child-friendly tourism facilities and services. As a result, willingness to pay was found in the order of specialized courses for young children, rest areas, restrooms, and rides. In conclusion, the importance of health/hygiene and amenities has implications for tourism destination management for young children. This study contributes to a better understanding of families with young children by evaluating preferences for levels of services and facilities for young children.

Keywords: UNESCO World Heritage Site; accessible tourism; choice experiment; facilities and services; health/hygiene and amenities; tourism destination management; young children’s tourism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family*
  • Humans
  • Tourism*