The Value of Cultural Heritage Sites in Armenia: Evidence from a Travel Cost Method Study

40 Pages Posted: 20 Oct 2005

See all articles by Anna Alberini

Anna Alberini

University of Maryland - Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics

Alberto Longo

Queen's University Belfast - Institute of Agri-food and Land-Use School of Biological Sciences

Date Written: September 2005

Abstract

This paper applies the travel cost method to visits to cultural sites in Armenia by domestic visitors. Respondents intercepted at four cultural monuments provided information on their visitation patterns, experience at the site, perception of the state of conservation of the monuments, and rating of the quality of the services and infrastructures. We combine actual trips with stated trips under hypothetical programs that would enhance the conservation of the monuments and improve one of (i) the cultural experience at the site, (ii) the quality of the infrastructure, or (iii) the quality of the services, and use the combined actual and stated trips to fit a panel data model. Our investigation shows that that there are significant use values associated with the four study monuments, and that conservation programs and initiatives that improve the cultural experience, or simply make it easier for the respondent to reach and spend time at the monument, are valued by domestic visitors and would encourage higher visitation rates.

Keywords: Valuation of cultural heritage sites, Non-market valuation, Travel cost, Consumer surplus, Contingent behavior

JEL Classification: Z10

Suggested Citation

Alberini, Anna and Longo, Alberto, The Value of Cultural Heritage Sites in Armenia: Evidence from a Travel Cost Method Study (September 2005). FEEM Working Paper No. 112.05, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=825569 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.825569

Anna Alberini (Contact Author)

University of Maryland - Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics ( email )

Symmons Hall, Rm 2200
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-5535
United States
301-405-1267 (Phone)
301-314-9091 (Fax)

Alberto Longo

Queen's University Belfast - Institute of Agri-food and Land-Use School of Biological Sciences ( email )

25 University Square
Belfast, BT7 1NN
Ireland

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