A Systematic Review to Explore How Pricing Strategies May Contribute to Managing Overtourism in State Parks

Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Emily Smith is a first-year Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management master’s student at North Carolina State University. Her thesis examines how pricing strategies can be used to address overtourism challenges within state parks. After school, she is interested in working for a DMO or CVB.

Whitney Knollenberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on tourism leadership and the influence of policy, planning, and partnerships in sustainable tourism development.

Ann Savage is a Tourism Extension Associate in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. Her role supports communities, tourism enterprises, and partners across North Carolina in sustainable tourism development and management.

KangJae "Jerry" Lees is an assistant professor in the Depatment or Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Caolina State University. His research focuses on racism and inequality, public parks, subjective wellbeing, and outdoor recreation.

Erin Seekamp is a professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on capacity building in tourism dependent communities and resource management agencies.

Abstract (150 Words)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many US recreational sites saw an increase in visitation. For example, North Carolina State Parks experienced a record visitation year in 2020. Although more visitors can generate higher revenues, many sites are now facing the challenge of overtourism. With Americans reporting a continued interest in outdoor activities in 2022, high demand for state parks may be sustained. The strategic use of user fees and pricing has been utilized as a possible solution to overtourism. However, this introduces the risk of creating inequitable access to state parks. This systematic literature review aims to illustrate where pricing has been used to manage overuse in parks. It will reveal the consequences these strategies have for use in tourism destinations, particularly for underserved populations, and will offer insights for how managers in both tourism destinations and state parks should consider pricing as a strategy to manage overuse.

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A Systematic Review to Explore How Pricing Strategies May Contribute to Managing Overtourism in State Parks

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many US recreational sites saw an increase in visitation. For example, North Carolina State Parks experienced a record visitation year in 2020. Although more visitors can generate higher revenues, many sites are now facing the challenge of overtourism. With Americans reporting a continued interest in outdoor activities in 2022, high demand for state parks may be sustained. The strategic use of user fees and pricing has been utilized as a possible solution to overtourism. However, this introduces the risk of creating inequitable access to state parks. This systematic literature review aims to illustrate where pricing has been used to manage overuse in parks. It will reveal the consequences these strategies have for use in tourism destinations, particularly for underserved populations, and will offer insights for how managers in both tourism destinations and state parks should consider pricing as a strategy to manage overuse.