How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Outdoor Recreation in the U.S.? A Revealed Preference Approach

Abstract

This study examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on outdoor recreation visits and values using a unique revealed preference travel cost method approach. Demand models are estimated using data on pre- and post-pandemic visits reported in a nationwide survey of outdoor recreation participants. The demand models incorporate visitors’ COVID-19 related subjective risk perceptions as a pre- and post-pandemic measure of site quality. Our results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on both recreation visits and values. We recommend that recreation site managers focus on innovative ways to reduce the COVID-19 related welfare losses measured in this study.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor recreation, visitation behavior, revealed preference method, visit reduction, welfare loss

JEL Classification: Q26, Q51, C23, D10, I31