Valuation of latent demand for ecotourism in Shiretoko using choice-based experiments

A significant gender and age disparity exists in the latent demand for ecotourism in Shiretoko, with over 60% of potential visitors being men aged 40 or older. This finding underscores a critical challenge for sustainable ecotourism development in the region, as attracting female and younger tourists is essential for long-term viability. The study employed choice-based experiments via web surveys to identify two distinct preference segments among respondents, with key differences driven by travel experience, age, and gender. These insights highlight the need for targeted strategies to broaden the appeal of Shiretoko's ecotourism offerings.

Ishizue, Y., Kawaguchi, Y., Watanabe, K., Shoji, Y., Sato, T., & Terayama, G. (2022). 選択型実験を用いた知床におけるエコツーリズムの需要評価. Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 57(3), 1301–1308. https://doi.org/10.11361/journalcpij.57.1301