Estimating The Value Of National Parks To The Queensland Economy

We estimate the annual contribution of national parks to the Queensland economy through the collection and analysis of primary data from surveys of national park users, combined with secondary tourism data. We calculate the annual value added and jobs supported, direct and indirect, from additional tourist expenditure attributable to national parks. The questionnaire also allowed for the application of an adapted Travel Cost Method to estimate the non-market values (consumer surplus) to direct users of the parks for recreational purposes. We address a number of methodological challenges in survey design and apply innovative adaptations to standard techniques to address these. We also provide upper- and lower-bound estimates. Our estimates suggest that the equivalent of $6.3 in benefits are generated per $1 spent on national park visitor management each year, excluding other non-monetary benefits such as conservation, health, and other environmental and social benefits, highlighting the implications for government funding of national parks management and conservation .