Demand for Diving Tourism in Marine Protected Areas in Developing Countries

Abstract The importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) in protecting marine habitats and biodiversity, especially for coral reefs, is acknowledged among conservationists, managers, and policy-makers. However, the socio-economic and ecological benefits of MPAs are understated and overshadowed by the establishment and operating costs, specifically for MPAs located in developing countries. Using a global survey of recreational divers, we estimate recreational users’ welfare benefits in support of MPAs. Using the travel cost method (TCM), we show that an increase in user fees has a modest effect on visitors’ numbers in MPAs in developing countries. It is justifiable to increase revenue to help cover the costs of developing and operating MPAs. The mean consumer surplus (CS) derived from the TCM is US$588.24 per person trip with confidence intervals of $347.71–$1908.39 USD. Such information is pertinent in protecting and restoring the marine ecosystem when multiple threats adversely affect coral reefs, upon which other marine life and local and international communities depend.