An investigation on visitors’ expenditure pattern at Oklahoma State Parks

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Published: Apr 4, 2014
Keywords:
Expenditure, state parks, recreation, strategic planning, marketing strategy
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Catalina Palacios
Oklahoma State University
Lowell Caneday
Oklahoma State University

Abstract

Abstract

Based on an online survey, the answers of 355 respondents were analyzed in order to explore the influence of visitors’ personal characteristics, the visit characteristics, and purpose of visit on expenditure patterns at Oklahoma State Parks. Three models were developed based on multiple regression analyses. Findings indicated that the visitors’ expenditure pattern was most significantly influenced by age, annual household income, number of trips per year and by the particular purposes of visit. Additional information, regarding the most frequently visited Oklahoma State Parks and visitors’ preferred recreational activities at the parks provided visitors, is also presented and discussed. The paper concludes by suggesting improvement in the facilities and recreational choices offered to visitors. Implications of the study for decision makers and park managers are provided.

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Author Biographies

Catalina Palacios, Oklahoma State University

Catalina Palacios is a Doctoral student in Leisure Studies at Oklahoma State University. She is an international scholar from Mexico. She earned her Bachelor´s degree in Communication in Mexico. She received a Master of Science degree in International Studies with a focus in Tourism Development at OSU.

Catalina Palacios is currently working as a graduate research associate for the Leisure Studies Department. She is the current Vice-President of the Leisure Studies Graduate Student Association and International Student Representative of Phi Beta Delta, an Honor Society for International Scholars. Her research interests include Tourism Management, Tourism Policy, Tourism Development, Community Tourism, Rural Tourism, Park and Recreation Management, Leisure Behavior, Marketing and Tourism.

She is planning to follow an academic career upon graduation.

Lowell Caneday, Oklahoma State University

Lowell Caneday is a Regents Professor of Leisure Studies at Oklahoma State University. Lowell has been named as a Fellow of the American Academy of Park and Recreation Educators, a Fellow of the American Leisure Academy, and a Fellow of the National Recreation and Park Association He has also received the J.B. Nash Scholar award, the Distinguished Colleague award from the Society of Park and Recreation Educators, the Regents Distinguished Teacher and Regents Distinguished Research awards. During his time at Oklahoma State University, Lowell has prepared more than 100 publications, managed more than four million dollars in grants and contracts, and chaired committees for more than 50 Masters of Science and doctoral students. Primary research interests are focused on the relationship between people in their leisure experiences and the environment in which those experiences occur. This commonly includes parks, lakes, rivers, and other natural environments.

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