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Hoof prints on the mind: an exploration of attitudinal relationships between bushwalkers and commercial horseback tours
Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255 — 259
Research note
Hoof prints on the mind: an exploration of attitudinal relationships between bushwalkers and commercial horseback tours Sue Beeton School of Tourism and Hospitality, La Trobe University, Shepparton Campus, Victoria, Australia
Abstract The way that we travel the land, through it or over it, bears a close relationship with our feelings towards that land, which may in turn be subtly different among certain groups, such as bushwalkers and horse riders. Where the walker is in close, immediate contact with the surrounding environment, horseback riders are removed by the horse from such direct contact. While research has been conducted in relation to the physical aspects and carrying capacities of horses, little has been considered in relation to the attitudes of these different groups, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Physical environmental impacts are important and need to be addressed, however there are occasions that suggest a person’s opinion has been formed by additional, sometimes stronger forces such as peer group attitudes. Research undertaken in the Bogong Unit of the Alpine National Park in Australia indicates that some of the attitudes held by walkers are reflected by the various conservation or activity groups they belong to, and may be a result of such affiliations. It is this formation of normative attitudes that is the focus of this paper. Such attitudes not only illustrate the potential that groups have of establishing common attitudinal norms, but also bring out some points of contact and disaffection between walkers and horseback groups, particularly in commercial operations. 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Adventure tourism; Horseback tours; Attitudinal research; Public land management
1. Introduction The way that we travel the land bears a close relationship with our feelings towards that land. Today’s fourwheel drivers are often accused of travelling in an air-conditioned environmental and social bubble, rather than experiencing the ‘‘true’’ nature and character of the environment. To date, this concept has not been readily applied to differentiate attitudes and possible personality traits of bushwalkers and horse riders. Where the walker is in close, immediate contact with the surrounding environment, horseback riders are removed by the horse from such a direct relationship. The aim of this research note is to quantify areas of social conflict and cooperation by providing indicative data on the attitudes of bushwalkers towards commercial horseback tour groups. While researching and considering such attitudes, the concept of vastly differing relationships with, and consequent attitudes to, the land was noted. 2. Literature review The National Ecotourism Strategy, released by the Commonwealth Department of Tourism in 1994, noted
the lack of Australian academic research in relation to tourism in the environment commenting that the scientific work done on the impacts of tourism is insufficient and under-resourced (Commonwealth Department of Tourism, 1994). There have been few longitudinal studies of the impacts of tourism on the environment, and the strategy refers to the lack of baseline studies in Australia, leaving the field open to conjecture and ‘‘best guessing’’ (ESD, 1991). Attitudinal research between recreation and tourist groups in the United States goes back to 1971 with George Stankey’s doctoral paper, ¹he Perception of ¼ilderness Recreation Carrying Capacity: A Geographic Study in Natural Resources Management, in which he considers the attitudes of various park users towards each other (Stankey, 1971). His research included walkers and horseback riders and identified some attitudinal areas of conflict. Further US studies by Stankey and other researchers such as Schreyer, Roggenbuck and Lucas, Shelby and Heberlein, and Shew, Saunders and Ford, has developed the field of understanding the importance of intrinsic attitudes in tourism and recreation management (Stankey & Shreyer, 1985; Roggenbuck & Lucas, 1985; Shelby & Heberlein, 1986; Shew et al., 1986).
0261-5177/99/$ — see front matter 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 2 6 1 - 5 1 7 7 ( 9 8 ) 0 0 0 7 4 - 0
256
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
However, a comparative study between the United States and Australia undertaken by George Stankey in 1986 found that there was little research dealing with wilderness in Australia, which limited his own comparisons on the use of wilderness and users’ attitudes (Stankey, 1986). Even Australian research and management literature refers to American research, indicating a lack of Australian material. There has been no attitudinal research on horseback tourism in Australia, yet attitudes are recognised as an important issue by the public land managers. Anecdotal data and personal opinion has been used in management plans, which is not a satisfactory base from which to manage the natural environment (Gibbs, 1993). 2.1. Normative theory The groups a person may belong to, both formally and informally, influence the values and attitudes of that person, and the desire to maintain membership through the acceptance of the group is a powerful motivating force (Siegel & Siegel, 1986). Members of a group possess notions of appropriate behaviour within that group, relating to its shared norms, and individuals often reinforce their own sense of belonging to the group by adopting other members’ attitudes. Groups also apply pressures on members to establish and maintain a uniformity of beliefs, attitudes and behaviour, both explicitly and implicitly (Stankey & Shreyer, 1985). Organisations such as bushwalking and hiking clubs provide a framework in which certain attitudes are stressed and reinforced, sharing a common ethos (Stankey, 1986). Questionnaire responses that showed a greater homogeneity amongst those travelling with a club or belonging to a conservation group as opposed to others, may be displaying a normative attitude shared by its members, which are the responses considered in this paper.
3. Research methodology A self-completion questionnaire was developed with the aim of obtaining 60 to 100 responses as an indicative sample of visitation over the peak summer period of January 1997. The questionnaire was to be filled out by visitors to the Alpine National Park and Mt Buffalo after they returned home. The national parks are indicated on Map 1. In order to provide a basis for comparison, the questionnaire was based on Stankey’s 1971 survey of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (BMWC) in western America. The BMWC is considered the flagship of the National Wilderness Preservation System, with its management viewed with interest around the world. It has a high use of horses, with more visitor days from horseback riders than hikers and about half of the visitors to
the area riding horses. Commercial operators number over fifty, providing summer-oriented horseback recreation opportunities (Hendee et al., 1990). However, as Stankey’s survey was conducted over 26 yr ago, some of the questions and survey methods are dated. The questions that were retained from Stankey’s research were attitudinal ones relating to preferences of numbers of groups, camping and questions relating to preferred sites of meeting horse group, so that comparisons could be made between the American and Australian results. Even though he conducted studies between horse groups and other users, Stankey failed to consider that negative attitudes may be related to an actual fear of horses, so questions relating to this aspect were also added. The Alpine National Park in Victoria is divided into four areas, namely the Wonnongatta-Moroka, Bogong, Cobberas-Tingaringy and Dartmouth Units as shown on Map 1. Due to the size of the park and countless numbers of entry points making data collection difficult, it was decided to focus on one area, the Bogong Unit, as it is constitutes the greatest range of environments, from the Alpine resorts of Hotham and Falls Creek which provide facilities for day trippers and attract a high number of walkers during the summer months, through to overnight accommodation, camping grounds and remote wilderness experiences. The Mount Buffalo National Park was selected as a comparison due to its distinct nature. Mount Buffalo is situated separately from the Alpine National Park, as indicated on the map, and has a history of commercial horseback tours operating from the Chalet. There is a singular entrance to the park and one camping ground enabling convenient sampling of this group. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment agreed to provide their rangers with questionnaires to distribute in the field and at the entrance to Mount Buffalo National Park; the Mt Beauty Visitor Information Centre, Dinner Plain Information and the Alpine Resorts Commission at Falls Creek agreed to have copies of the questionnaire available and on display for visitors to the region, enabling a wide sampling of the population. A total of 62 responses were received, with 26% (n"16) and 30% (n"19) belonging to a conservation group or activity club respectively. The demographic characteristics of the sample were similar to those outlined by recent Parks Victoria research, providing supporting evidence that the sample reflects the standard visitor profile (Parks Victoria, 1997). However, the low numbers do not permit any firm conclusions to be drawn, rather raises indicative areas for consideration.
4. Results Territorial attitudes were generally strongest in those who regularly visit the area. However there were
257
Map 1.
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
258
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
Table 1 Response to encountering a horseback group at camp Travelled with
Stay Enjoy others
Club Belonging to: Conservation group
Move All have rights
But not enjoy (%)
Immediately
Next day
18
0
28
9
45
13
19
25
19
26
indications of group norms as well, with those travelling with a club demonstrating a relatively homogenous attitude towards sharing their campsite with a horseback tour group. This is illustrated in Table 1, with the highest percentage moving camp (54%) and none believing that everyone has a right to be there. Conservation group members were more accepting of the rights of everyone, but 45% still showed an inclination to move. Both groups overall showed a strong negative attitude towards horseback groups at their campsite, with a high percentage either staying but not enjoying themselves (indicating strong territorial attitudes of staying ‘‘whatever the cost’’) or moving — 82% of those belonging to a club and 70% of conservation group members. Negative attitudinal norms towards horse tour groups similar to those expressed by some conservation groups, such as the Victorian National Parks Association were reflected in the responses to the statement in the questionnaire, ‘‘Commercial horseback tours are considerate of others’ needs in relation to solitude’’ (VNPA, 1993a, b). Those belonging to conservation groups displayed the weakest agreement with the statement (7%) and the strongest negative response (40%), indicating the existence of a belief that horseback tour groups are not sensitive towards others. 4.1. Attitudes towards horses Subjects were asked to respond to a series of questions relating to the use of horses in the High Country. Those belonging to a conservation group generally responded less favourably than the overall response, particularly in considering horses an authentic form of transport —7% compared with 30% overall, as shown in Table 2. Those belonging to activity clubs appear to be more accepting of horses as a form of transport, which may be due to the active nature of their interaction with nature recognising the benefits of using horses to transport people and equipment over demanding mountainous terrain, however this hypothesis was not tested. Overall, those belonging to conservation groups appear to be more concerned about horses and their use in the High Country, however, it does not necessarily confirm that their position is factually correct, rather it
Table 2 Use of horses as a means of transport Transport for disabled people Conservation groups Activity clubs Others Total
Authentic form of transport
General form of transport
43
7
21
47 51 49
30 38 30
30 33 30
indicates the prevalence of a shared attitudinal norm. It is interesting to note that further analysis shows that those belonging to conservation groups had little awareness and a poor understanding of the environmental requirements that horseback operators must adhere to in the Alpine National Park, with 63% not aware of any.
5. Implications for land managers The implications of the results briefly outlined in this paper have practical application as well as academic interest. Land management agencies have the responsibility to manage public land for future generations, and are required by legislation to consider not only the environment, but also the heritage, recreation and tourism implications. Balancing the needs of the environment with heritage is a difficult task that many management agencies in Australia have abdicated, settling on a policy of excluding heritage and recreational aspects that may conflict with environmental management and the activities of other users, such as horse-riding. For example, in Queensland no horses are permitted in national parks, and in South Australia they are only allowed on gazetted roads. Nevertheless, the states and territory which incorporate the Alpine National Park (Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) have elected to follow the more difficult path of multiple-use, particularly in Victoria (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 1993). The Australian Alps National Park management committee developed a Horse Riding
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
Code for the Alpine National Park, recognising the standing of horse riding in the area: The use of horses is part of the cultural and historic heritage in many parts of [the] Australian Alps2 Horse riding is accepted as an appropriate means of appreciating and enjoying most parts of the Alps where environmental and social impacts can be kept to acceptable levels. [own emphasis] (Australian Alps National Parks, 1994). Such recognition has presented the management agencies with a range of challenges, not the least being social and attitudinal. The lack of research in this area has compounded those problems and, as the results outlined in this paper indicate, these social conflicts can be complex. Groups, both conservation and activity-based, have a strong influence on their members in forming and/or reinforcing attitudes and concepts of social impacts. More emphasis on working with these groups and facilitating cooperation and education by the land management agencies may assist in alleviating the stronger conflicting attitudes held. As many public land management agencies look to tourism and recreation as a viable income source, and consequently develop more multiple land-use management strategies, the need for greater understanding of visitor attitudes towards each other is evident. Ongoing longitudinal research into attitudes of the various user groups towards each other is needed to improve knowledge and understanding of the issues as well as indicate any changes of attitude over time.
References Australian Alps National Parks (1994). Horse riding code: Horse riding in the Australian Alps National Parks (p. 2). Victoria: Australian Alps National Parks.
259
Commonwealth Department of Tourism (1994). National ecotourism strategy. Canberra: Australian Government Printing Service. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (1993). Commercial tour operations. Melbourne. Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Groups (ESD) (1991). Final Report — ¹ourism. Canberra: Australian Government Printing Service. Gibbs, R. (1993). Australian Alps National Parks horse riding management strategy. Australia: Australian Alps National Parks. Hendee, J. C., Stankey, G. H., & Lucas, R. C. (1990). ¼ilderness management (2nd ed.). North American Press. Parks Victoria (1997). Unpublished survey results provided in personal interview with Russell Mason. Research Manager. Roggenbuck, J. W., & Lucas, R. C. (1985). Wilderness use and user characteristics: a state-of-knowledge review. In R. C. Lucas (Compiler) Proceedings of National Research Conference: Issues, State-ofKnowledge, Future Directions. Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Shelby, B., & Heberlein, T. A. (1986). Carrying capacity in recreational settings. Oregon: Oregon State University Press. Shew, R. L., Saunders, P. R., & Ford, J. D. (1986). Wilderness managers’ perceptions of recreational horse use in the northwestern United States. In R. C. Lucas (Compiler) Proceedings of National ¼ilderness Research Conference: Current Research July 1986, Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Siegel, A. E., & Siegel, S. (1986). Reference groups, membership groups and attitude change. In D. Cartwright, & S. Zander (Eds.), Group dynamics, research and theory (3rd ed.). London: Tavistock Publications. Stankey, G. H. (1971). ¹he perception of wilderness recreation carrying capacity: A geographic study in natural resources management. Michigan State University Ph.D. University Microfilms, Michigan. Stankey, G. H. (1986). Dispersed recreation and users in Kosciusko National Park, Australia: A profile and comparison with the United States. Proceedings of National ¼ilderness Research Conference: Current Research July 1986. Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Stankey, G. H., & Shreyer, K. (1985). Attitudes towards wilderness and factors affecting visitor behaviour: A state-of-knowledge review. In R. C. Lucas (Compiler) Proceedings of National Research Conference: Issues, State-of-Knowledge, Future Directions, Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Victorian National Parks Association (1993a). Horse policy. Melbourne: VNPA. Victorian National Parks Association (1993). VNPA horse policy. Park watch, March 1993, No. 172 (p. 23). Melbourne. VNPA.
Research note
Hoof prints on the mind: an exploration of attitudinal relationships between bushwalkers and commercial horseback tours Sue Beeton School of Tourism and Hospitality, La Trobe University, Shepparton Campus, Victoria, Australia
Abstract The way that we travel the land, through it or over it, bears a close relationship with our feelings towards that land, which may in turn be subtly different among certain groups, such as bushwalkers and horse riders. Where the walker is in close, immediate contact with the surrounding environment, horseback riders are removed by the horse from such direct contact. While research has been conducted in relation to the physical aspects and carrying capacities of horses, little has been considered in relation to the attitudes of these different groups, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Physical environmental impacts are important and need to be addressed, however there are occasions that suggest a person’s opinion has been formed by additional, sometimes stronger forces such as peer group attitudes. Research undertaken in the Bogong Unit of the Alpine National Park in Australia indicates that some of the attitudes held by walkers are reflected by the various conservation or activity groups they belong to, and may be a result of such affiliations. It is this formation of normative attitudes that is the focus of this paper. Such attitudes not only illustrate the potential that groups have of establishing common attitudinal norms, but also bring out some points of contact and disaffection between walkers and horseback groups, particularly in commercial operations. 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Adventure tourism; Horseback tours; Attitudinal research; Public land management
1. Introduction The way that we travel the land bears a close relationship with our feelings towards that land. Today’s fourwheel drivers are often accused of travelling in an air-conditioned environmental and social bubble, rather than experiencing the ‘‘true’’ nature and character of the environment. To date, this concept has not been readily applied to differentiate attitudes and possible personality traits of bushwalkers and horse riders. Where the walker is in close, immediate contact with the surrounding environment, horseback riders are removed by the horse from such a direct relationship. The aim of this research note is to quantify areas of social conflict and cooperation by providing indicative data on the attitudes of bushwalkers towards commercial horseback tour groups. While researching and considering such attitudes, the concept of vastly differing relationships with, and consequent attitudes to, the land was noted. 2. Literature review The National Ecotourism Strategy, released by the Commonwealth Department of Tourism in 1994, noted
the lack of Australian academic research in relation to tourism in the environment commenting that the scientific work done on the impacts of tourism is insufficient and under-resourced (Commonwealth Department of Tourism, 1994). There have been few longitudinal studies of the impacts of tourism on the environment, and the strategy refers to the lack of baseline studies in Australia, leaving the field open to conjecture and ‘‘best guessing’’ (ESD, 1991). Attitudinal research between recreation and tourist groups in the United States goes back to 1971 with George Stankey’s doctoral paper, ¹he Perception of ¼ilderness Recreation Carrying Capacity: A Geographic Study in Natural Resources Management, in which he considers the attitudes of various park users towards each other (Stankey, 1971). His research included walkers and horseback riders and identified some attitudinal areas of conflict. Further US studies by Stankey and other researchers such as Schreyer, Roggenbuck and Lucas, Shelby and Heberlein, and Shew, Saunders and Ford, has developed the field of understanding the importance of intrinsic attitudes in tourism and recreation management (Stankey & Shreyer, 1985; Roggenbuck & Lucas, 1985; Shelby & Heberlein, 1986; Shew et al., 1986).
0261-5177/99/$ — see front matter 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 2 6 1 - 5 1 7 7 ( 9 8 ) 0 0 0 7 4 - 0
256
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
However, a comparative study between the United States and Australia undertaken by George Stankey in 1986 found that there was little research dealing with wilderness in Australia, which limited his own comparisons on the use of wilderness and users’ attitudes (Stankey, 1986). Even Australian research and management literature refers to American research, indicating a lack of Australian material. There has been no attitudinal research on horseback tourism in Australia, yet attitudes are recognised as an important issue by the public land managers. Anecdotal data and personal opinion has been used in management plans, which is not a satisfactory base from which to manage the natural environment (Gibbs, 1993). 2.1. Normative theory The groups a person may belong to, both formally and informally, influence the values and attitudes of that person, and the desire to maintain membership through the acceptance of the group is a powerful motivating force (Siegel & Siegel, 1986). Members of a group possess notions of appropriate behaviour within that group, relating to its shared norms, and individuals often reinforce their own sense of belonging to the group by adopting other members’ attitudes. Groups also apply pressures on members to establish and maintain a uniformity of beliefs, attitudes and behaviour, both explicitly and implicitly (Stankey & Shreyer, 1985). Organisations such as bushwalking and hiking clubs provide a framework in which certain attitudes are stressed and reinforced, sharing a common ethos (Stankey, 1986). Questionnaire responses that showed a greater homogeneity amongst those travelling with a club or belonging to a conservation group as opposed to others, may be displaying a normative attitude shared by its members, which are the responses considered in this paper.
3. Research methodology A self-completion questionnaire was developed with the aim of obtaining 60 to 100 responses as an indicative sample of visitation over the peak summer period of January 1997. The questionnaire was to be filled out by visitors to the Alpine National Park and Mt Buffalo after they returned home. The national parks are indicated on Map 1. In order to provide a basis for comparison, the questionnaire was based on Stankey’s 1971 survey of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (BMWC) in western America. The BMWC is considered the flagship of the National Wilderness Preservation System, with its management viewed with interest around the world. It has a high use of horses, with more visitor days from horseback riders than hikers and about half of the visitors to
the area riding horses. Commercial operators number over fifty, providing summer-oriented horseback recreation opportunities (Hendee et al., 1990). However, as Stankey’s survey was conducted over 26 yr ago, some of the questions and survey methods are dated. The questions that were retained from Stankey’s research were attitudinal ones relating to preferences of numbers of groups, camping and questions relating to preferred sites of meeting horse group, so that comparisons could be made between the American and Australian results. Even though he conducted studies between horse groups and other users, Stankey failed to consider that negative attitudes may be related to an actual fear of horses, so questions relating to this aspect were also added. The Alpine National Park in Victoria is divided into four areas, namely the Wonnongatta-Moroka, Bogong, Cobberas-Tingaringy and Dartmouth Units as shown on Map 1. Due to the size of the park and countless numbers of entry points making data collection difficult, it was decided to focus on one area, the Bogong Unit, as it is constitutes the greatest range of environments, from the Alpine resorts of Hotham and Falls Creek which provide facilities for day trippers and attract a high number of walkers during the summer months, through to overnight accommodation, camping grounds and remote wilderness experiences. The Mount Buffalo National Park was selected as a comparison due to its distinct nature. Mount Buffalo is situated separately from the Alpine National Park, as indicated on the map, and has a history of commercial horseback tours operating from the Chalet. There is a singular entrance to the park and one camping ground enabling convenient sampling of this group. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment agreed to provide their rangers with questionnaires to distribute in the field and at the entrance to Mount Buffalo National Park; the Mt Beauty Visitor Information Centre, Dinner Plain Information and the Alpine Resorts Commission at Falls Creek agreed to have copies of the questionnaire available and on display for visitors to the region, enabling a wide sampling of the population. A total of 62 responses were received, with 26% (n"16) and 30% (n"19) belonging to a conservation group or activity club respectively. The demographic characteristics of the sample were similar to those outlined by recent Parks Victoria research, providing supporting evidence that the sample reflects the standard visitor profile (Parks Victoria, 1997). However, the low numbers do not permit any firm conclusions to be drawn, rather raises indicative areas for consideration.
4. Results Territorial attitudes were generally strongest in those who regularly visit the area. However there were
257
Map 1.
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
258
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
Table 1 Response to encountering a horseback group at camp Travelled with
Stay Enjoy others
Club Belonging to: Conservation group
Move All have rights
But not enjoy (%)
Immediately
Next day
18
0
28
9
45
13
19
25
19
26
indications of group norms as well, with those travelling with a club demonstrating a relatively homogenous attitude towards sharing their campsite with a horseback tour group. This is illustrated in Table 1, with the highest percentage moving camp (54%) and none believing that everyone has a right to be there. Conservation group members were more accepting of the rights of everyone, but 45% still showed an inclination to move. Both groups overall showed a strong negative attitude towards horseback groups at their campsite, with a high percentage either staying but not enjoying themselves (indicating strong territorial attitudes of staying ‘‘whatever the cost’’) or moving — 82% of those belonging to a club and 70% of conservation group members. Negative attitudinal norms towards horse tour groups similar to those expressed by some conservation groups, such as the Victorian National Parks Association were reflected in the responses to the statement in the questionnaire, ‘‘Commercial horseback tours are considerate of others’ needs in relation to solitude’’ (VNPA, 1993a, b). Those belonging to conservation groups displayed the weakest agreement with the statement (7%) and the strongest negative response (40%), indicating the existence of a belief that horseback tour groups are not sensitive towards others. 4.1. Attitudes towards horses Subjects were asked to respond to a series of questions relating to the use of horses in the High Country. Those belonging to a conservation group generally responded less favourably than the overall response, particularly in considering horses an authentic form of transport —7% compared with 30% overall, as shown in Table 2. Those belonging to activity clubs appear to be more accepting of horses as a form of transport, which may be due to the active nature of their interaction with nature recognising the benefits of using horses to transport people and equipment over demanding mountainous terrain, however this hypothesis was not tested. Overall, those belonging to conservation groups appear to be more concerned about horses and their use in the High Country, however, it does not necessarily confirm that their position is factually correct, rather it
Table 2 Use of horses as a means of transport Transport for disabled people Conservation groups Activity clubs Others Total
Authentic form of transport
General form of transport
43
7
21
47 51 49
30 38 30
30 33 30
indicates the prevalence of a shared attitudinal norm. It is interesting to note that further analysis shows that those belonging to conservation groups had little awareness and a poor understanding of the environmental requirements that horseback operators must adhere to in the Alpine National Park, with 63% not aware of any.
5. Implications for land managers The implications of the results briefly outlined in this paper have practical application as well as academic interest. Land management agencies have the responsibility to manage public land for future generations, and are required by legislation to consider not only the environment, but also the heritage, recreation and tourism implications. Balancing the needs of the environment with heritage is a difficult task that many management agencies in Australia have abdicated, settling on a policy of excluding heritage and recreational aspects that may conflict with environmental management and the activities of other users, such as horse-riding. For example, in Queensland no horses are permitted in national parks, and in South Australia they are only allowed on gazetted roads. Nevertheless, the states and territory which incorporate the Alpine National Park (Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) have elected to follow the more difficult path of multiple-use, particularly in Victoria (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 1993). The Australian Alps National Park management committee developed a Horse Riding
S. Beeton / Tourism Management 20 (1999) 255—259
Code for the Alpine National Park, recognising the standing of horse riding in the area: The use of horses is part of the cultural and historic heritage in many parts of [the] Australian Alps2 Horse riding is accepted as an appropriate means of appreciating and enjoying most parts of the Alps where environmental and social impacts can be kept to acceptable levels. [own emphasis] (Australian Alps National Parks, 1994). Such recognition has presented the management agencies with a range of challenges, not the least being social and attitudinal. The lack of research in this area has compounded those problems and, as the results outlined in this paper indicate, these social conflicts can be complex. Groups, both conservation and activity-based, have a strong influence on their members in forming and/or reinforcing attitudes and concepts of social impacts. More emphasis on working with these groups and facilitating cooperation and education by the land management agencies may assist in alleviating the stronger conflicting attitudes held. As many public land management agencies look to tourism and recreation as a viable income source, and consequently develop more multiple land-use management strategies, the need for greater understanding of visitor attitudes towards each other is evident. Ongoing longitudinal research into attitudes of the various user groups towards each other is needed to improve knowledge and understanding of the issues as well as indicate any changes of attitude over time.
References Australian Alps National Parks (1994). Horse riding code: Horse riding in the Australian Alps National Parks (p. 2). Victoria: Australian Alps National Parks.
259
Commonwealth Department of Tourism (1994). National ecotourism strategy. Canberra: Australian Government Printing Service. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (1993). Commercial tour operations. Melbourne. Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Groups (ESD) (1991). Final Report — ¹ourism. Canberra: Australian Government Printing Service. Gibbs, R. (1993). Australian Alps National Parks horse riding management strategy. Australia: Australian Alps National Parks. Hendee, J. C., Stankey, G. H., & Lucas, R. C. (1990). ¼ilderness management (2nd ed.). North American Press. Parks Victoria (1997). Unpublished survey results provided in personal interview with Russell Mason. Research Manager. Roggenbuck, J. W., & Lucas, R. C. (1985). Wilderness use and user characteristics: a state-of-knowledge review. In R. C. Lucas (Compiler) Proceedings of National Research Conference: Issues, State-ofKnowledge, Future Directions. Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Shelby, B., & Heberlein, T. A. (1986). Carrying capacity in recreational settings. Oregon: Oregon State University Press. Shew, R. L., Saunders, P. R., & Ford, J. D. (1986). Wilderness managers’ perceptions of recreational horse use in the northwestern United States. In R. C. Lucas (Compiler) Proceedings of National ¼ilderness Research Conference: Current Research July 1986, Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Siegel, A. E., & Siegel, S. (1986). Reference groups, membership groups and attitude change. In D. Cartwright, & S. Zander (Eds.), Group dynamics, research and theory (3rd ed.). London: Tavistock Publications. Stankey, G. H. (1971). ¹he perception of wilderness recreation carrying capacity: A geographic study in natural resources management. Michigan State University Ph.D. University Microfilms, Michigan. Stankey, G. H. (1986). Dispersed recreation and users in Kosciusko National Park, Australia: A profile and comparison with the United States. Proceedings of National ¼ilderness Research Conference: Current Research July 1986. Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Stankey, G. H., & Shreyer, K. (1985). Attitudes towards wilderness and factors affecting visitor behaviour: A state-of-knowledge review. In R. C. Lucas (Compiler) Proceedings of National Research Conference: Issues, State-of-Knowledge, Future Directions, Ogden: Intermountain Research Station. Victorian National Parks Association (1993a). Horse policy. Melbourne: VNPA. Victorian National Parks Association (1993). VNPA horse policy. Park watch, March 1993, No. 172 (p. 23). Melbourne. VNPA.