•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Numerous studies within academic literature examine motivations of walkers engaging with nature-based tourism activities, such as hillwalking. However, a gap exists in the literature regarding the suppliers of this type of tourism, namely landowners and farmers. This research hopes to address this identifiable gap in tourism research in a confined study area located in the Sheep’s Head Way in Co. Cork. The purpose of this research was to examine geographical spatial differences in environmental attitudes, and to determine the factors that influenced the landowner’s intentions to permit the walkway throughout their land. To examine these factors, seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, and to further examine these factors a survey collection of a near complete census of landowners (212 farmers) on the peninsula was carried out. Through the method of door-to-door collection, the information gathered numerous variables were analysed. The information compiled as part of this study forms a data rich analysis of landowners’ and farmers’ attitudes to the evolution of the walkway as well as other attributes such as; environmental awareness, issues of sustainability, community links, farm diversification and conservation of the landscape. The results illustrate significant differences among the landowners’ orientations towards the environment and a range of factors that influence landowners’ intentions to engage in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Suppliers of nature-based tourism activities are at the helm of the future direction of sustainable tourism and it is essential that they are examined with the same detail as users of nature-based activities.

Download

Share

COinS