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This is the first attempt at measuring the social valuation of self-drive elderly tourists based on a case study of those visiting regional Queensland of Australia in their caravans. Using the negative binomial model incorporating travel cost, and data from a pilot survey of 90 respondents, it was found that the grey nomads' valuation of their visit to the Beaudesert region was A$833 per trip and their demand for travel was price insensitive. This reflects the huge sustainable revenue potential of the grey nomad market for tourism. The study also highlights factors that affect the visit frequency of grey nomads who are often repeat tourists. The findings of this study are an important policy tool for the management and understanding of elderly caravanning tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, estimates of value for recreational fishing are reported for three major freshwater impoundments in Queensland, Australia, using both travel cost and contingent valuation methods. Policy analysts often require estimates of value when analysing the importance of recreation against other uses of impoundments, or when considering the potential for further investments, such as with fish stocking programs. Different forms of the travel cost method are used to estimate separate consumer surpluses associated with two key subgroups of recreational anglers: frequent and occasional anglers. A contingent valuation study is used to estimate the marginal values associated with a potential improvement in fishing experience. The results of the travel cost analysis provide strong evidence that recreational values vary between different groups of anglers and across sites, while the contingent valuation estimates provide values for additional marginal benefits of recreational angling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special events play an important part in tourism and recreation choices in Australia, and many receive funding from various levels of government. However, the economic case for funding special events often focuses on estimates of expenditure, employment and indirect impacts rather than estimates of economic benefit or consumer surplus. The study discusses the application of the travel cost method for estimating consumer surplus associated with a special event. The event studied is the annual four-day 'Gemfest' in the sapphire fields of Central Queensland. Surveys were conducted in 1998 and 2002, and the derivations of the appropriate models, welfare calculations and comparisons over time are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Daintree Rainforest is a prime attraction for Tropical North Queensland as a tourist destination. Visitation of the rainforest, specifically the Cape Tribulation section, has increased rapidly as impediments to self-drive access have been removed. This paper examines the potential for the local council to manage the volume of self-drive visitation to the Cape Tribulation region by price mechanisms. Access to the region is by river ferry only. The assessment is based on estimates of willingness to pay from a contingent valuation survey of self-drive tourists to the region, from which estimates of consumer surplus and price elasticity of demand are derived. It is concluded that increasing the price for ferry crossings could be an effective and efficient means of (a) reducing traffic volumes caused by self-drive visitors and thereby alleviating traffic- related social and environmental problems, and (b) significantly increasing the resource rent which the municipality can draw from tourism, with additional revenue from the ferry being available for the improved management of this prime tourist destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]