Title: Managing urban parks and gardens in developing countries: a case from an Indian city

Authors: Pradeep Chaudhry, Vindhya P. Tewari

Addresses: Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342005, India. ' Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342005, India

Abstract: The Chandigarh City of India is known for its urban parks, gardens and well planned landscaping. In a research case study undertaken during 2002-2006, an assessment about the annual recreational value of this city|s urban greenery was made by using travel cost method on the domestic tourists. The consumer surplus per visit enjoyed by domestic tourists was estimated. Governments in developing countries are generally facing resource crunch for the maintenance of existing parks/gardens and for the creation of new ones. A mechanism of charging a proper entrance fee for the city|s parks and gardens has been discussed by meaningfully utilising this consumer surplus on one hand and revenue generation for the local administration, on the other. The results of the study would be useful for green space and urban land use planning as well as for overall sustainable urban development.

Keywords: Chandigarh; India; tourists; travel cost method; consumer surplus; entrance fees; gate fees; leisure marketing; tourism marketing; public parks; public gardens; urban parks; urban gardens; developing countries; urban landscaping; pricing; revenue generation; local government; sustainable development; urban development; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLTM.2010.029588

International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 2010 Vol.1 No.3, pp.248 - 256

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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