No abstract

Although literature has documented many destination attributes that determine attractiveness of tourism destination, the magnitude and strength of each attribute has not been explored, especially in relation to a single wildlife tourism product. This study provides an insight into the level of tourists’ perceived value on wildlife resource attributes at Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, with a further comparison between the international and domestic tourists. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey and collected primary data using self-administered structured questionnaires. A total of 402 respondents duly completed the questionnaires, which were disseminated through simple random sampling. Data was analysed descriptively and through independent sample T-test. The results showed that unique wildlife attractions were most valued by tourists (M = 2.26, SD = 0.99), followed by the variety of attractions (M = 2.53, SD = 1.08) and their abundance (M = 2.59, SD = 1.19) respectively. Majority of international tourists highly valued the attributes [M = 2.30, SD = 0.88; t(400) = 4.18, p < 0.001] as compared to the domestic tourists (M = 2.67, SD = 0.88), but with a small magnitude (η = 0.04). The study provides an insight that tourists value the park because of its uniqueness due to a variety of wildlife attractions. As park ecological challenges persist, park managers may re-brand the park by creating more emphasis on other key wildlife products like rhinos in order to maintain visitor value and satisfaction in the future.

This study developed and tested a model integrating associations of tourist guides, wildlife tourism destination attributes, overall satisfaction and revisit intentions. The study is based on a cross-sectional research survey of tourist guides visiting Lake Nakuru National Park (LNNP) in Kenya, where no such investigation has been conducted before. It was grounded on expectation/disconfirmation theory using attitudinal approach to destination loyalty. Data collection was done through self-administered structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample size of 298 tourist guides during the study period. Data on socio-demographic characteristics was analysed descriptively while the evaluation of the measurement model was done through exploratory factor analysis and path analysis. The results showed a stronger positive association between wildlife resources and satisfaction, followed by cost of attractions, park image and park accessibility. There was a positive but weak relationship between satisfaction and revisit intention. Therefore, wildlife resources, park accessibility, cost of attractions, and park image dimensions are indicators of satisfaction, but satisfaction was not a good indicator for revisit intentions.

No abstract

No abstract