Abstract (150 Words)
This study employed a Stated Preference Survey to examine factors that influence tourists’ decisions regarding whether or not to evacuate when a hurricane strikes. Data were gathered in June-July 2009, during the hurricane season. A total of 465 tourists in Florida participated in the study. The examination of the results found that evacuation decisions were influenced by the severity of hurricanes, the location of the destination, and individual characteristics of tourists. The study also found that Stated Preference Surveys can be an effective technique to examine tourists’ risk behavior while in the destination. Finally, application of the findings is presented.
Stated Preferences of Tourists for Evacuating in the Event of a Hurricane
This study employed a Stated Preference Survey to examine factors that influence tourists’ decisions regarding whether or not to evacuate when a hurricane strikes. Data were gathered in June-July 2009, during the hurricane season. A total of 465 tourists in Florida participated in the study. The examination of the results found that evacuation decisions were influenced by the severity of hurricanes, the location of the destination, and individual characteristics of tourists. The study also found that Stated Preference Surveys can be an effective technique to examine tourists’ risk behavior while in the destination. Finally, application of the findings is presented.
