How Do Weather Conditions Influence Leisure Traffic? Evidence from Michigan and Implications for Climate Change

• Charles Shih ^[1] ; Sarah Nicholls ^[2]
  1. [1] Ming Chuan University

     Ming Chuan University

     Taoyuan District, Taiwán

     
  2. [2] Michigan State University

     Michigan State University

     City of East Lansing, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Tourism analysis, ISSN 1083-5423, Vol. 17, Nº. 4, 2012, págs. 431-443
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Understanding of the nature of the relationship between weather conditions and participation in outdoor recreation and tourism remains relatively limited, despite the need to better comprehend these dynamics in order to prepare for the implications of projected increases in climate variability and climate change. This study addressed this gap through quantification of the relationships between daily weather conditions and leisure traffic activity throughout the US state of Michigan. Using a double-log model, daily leisure traffic counts were regressed against three sets of independent variables-weather conditions, economic conditions, and the availability of leisure time-across the four seasons. Daily maximum temperature had a statistically significant, positive effect on tourism traffic in spring, summer, and fall, with a slightly less pronounced impact in winter. Precipitation, in contrast, had a minimal impact on leisure traffic in spring, summer, and fall, but a negative impact in winter. These findings have implications not only for the current management and marketing of Michigan outdoor recreation and tourism providers, but also for the potential adaptation strategies they might consider adopting under conditions of climate change. In order to best capitalize on the opportunities presented by the changing climate, providers are advised to consider factors such as changing season length and diversification into additional, year-round activities and facilities. For winter sports providers, the ability to make snow will become increasingly critical.