Determining the recreation and ecotourism value of parks (Case study: Javarem Forest Park, Savadkoh, north of Iran)

Considering the importance of recreation and excursions in household’s basket of expenditures on the one hand, and not paying attention to the economic value of recreational function for natural resources and environment as non-market goods on the other hand, this paper by focusing ۱) Income on the willingness to pay tourists. ۲) Literacy level on the willingness to pay tourists. ۳) Determining the recreational value , using the contingent valuation method and logit regression model in Javarem Forest Park, Savadkoh, north of Iran, were estimated using the maximum likelihood method through ۱۶۰ questionnaires. The parameters of the model Based on the results, age, income, household cost, education, and bid had significant impacts on the individual’s Willingness to Pay (P < ۰.۰۱). The results showed that the conservation value of the region was estimated at Rials ۵۶۱۲۴۰۰۴۵۰۰. The average Willingness to pay for each household was Rials ۱۸۷۰۸۰.۰۱۵ per every visited (۲۰۲۰).This low rate of Willingness to pay can be considered as a positive option in attracting tourism to see the natural attractions and improve the livelihood of the local people, and this alternative livelihood will also provide better protection of resources in this area. Requested data sets were obtained by completing questionnaires Results revealed that forest parks have a considerable recreational value that, from this point of view, can help programmers and executives, social and economic managers in the preservation planning and sustainable utilization of natural resources.