Case report, case study

https://doi.org/10.37741/t.73.3.12

Understanding the Willingness to Pay for Ecotourism Services in Natural Waterfall Areas: An Empirical Study in Casanare, Colombia

Alejandro Parra Saad ; Engineering College, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia *
Rosalina González Forero ; Engineering College, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
Mayerling Sanabria Buitrago ; Engineering College, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
Camilo Andrés Vargas Terranova ; Engineering College, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This study aims to determine visitors’ willingness to pay (WTP) for ecotourism services in the La Algarroba
waterfall in Monterrey, Casanare, Colombia. We chose this location because it is part of a green corridor
with a high potential for ecotourism. We estimated the willingness-to-pay (WTP) using the double-bounded
dichotomous choice contingent valuation method. Our findings reveal that visitors participate more in
ecotourism when they understand the flow of ecosystem benefits, when more income is generated for local
communities, and when they have a higher opinion of public safety in the area. The latter is significant after
the Colombian peace treaty.

Keywords

ecotourism; sustainability; contingent valuation method; willingness-to-pay; ecosystem services

Hrčak ID:

333747

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/333747

Publication date:

15.7.2025.

Visits: 1.215 *