questionnaire

HOW SHOULD A WALKING TRAIL BE MARKETED?
 
A number of destinations are developing walking trails as part of their "ecotourism product". We are engaged in research to ascertain the attractiveness of such a trail in Dominica, eastern Caribbean, in order to determine the best way of marketing it to the public. We would be grateful if you could help us by sparing a few moments to consider the following questions and register your responses.
 
This questionnaire has been put together by Robert Cleverdon and Polly Pattullo. It is part of a marketing research project being done on behalf of the Caribbean Institute for Natural Resources (CANARI) and the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation as a contribution to a study of the feasibility of creating a long-distance national trail in Dominica. Robert Cleverdon is an international tourism development and marketing analyst with experience working in developing countries. Polly Pattullo is a journalist with a special interest in the Caribbean; she is the author of the book Last Resorts: the cost of tourism in the Caribbean.
 
Please reply to pollyp@globalnet.co.uk. by December 31 2001. We welcome answers from allcomers and and much appreciate your contribution.

Please mark the Yes/No questions with a X
 
1. What, in your opinion, are the most important characteristics of a walking trail?
(Please rank each item: 0 - not important, 1 - of some importance, 2 - of considerable importance, 3 - very important.)
 
* natural features Rank
* effective management Rank
* appropriate accommodation Rank
* community contact Rank
* cultural attractions Rank
 

2. How do you like to use a walking trail?
 
* as the sole attraction/purpose of a trip Yes No
* combined with other ecotourism aspects of a trip Yes No
 

3. When considering a trip involving a walking trail, what attracts you to a specific trail? (please write in your comments)
 
 

4. What sources of information do you consult when considering a trip featuring a walking trail?
 
(Please rank each item: 0 - not important, 1 - of some importance, 2 - of considerable importance,
 3 - very important.)
 
* specialist (ie relevant activity-based) clubs/associations Rank
* specialist magazines Rank
* specialist websites Rank
* advertisements in general media Rank
* articles in travel sections in general media/TV features Rank
* travel agent Rank
* tour operator Rank
* destination tourist office Rank
* personal contacts with relevant experience Rank
* any other sources - please specify and rank
 
Please indicate those sources you find most useful.
 

5. What travel arrangements do you make for a walking trail trip?
* always use a tour operator's "package" Yes No
* sometimes buy a package Yes No
* sometimes travel independently Yes No
* always travel independently Yes No
 
6. On a walking trail what items do you buy from communities along the trail?
* local foods and drinks Yes No
* handicrafts Yes No
* regular daily needs (not locally made) Yes No
* other items (film etc) Yes No
 
 
7. How important is the interpretation of natural features along the trail?
* highly important
* of some importance
* of little or no importance
 

8. How important is the interpretation of cultural features along the trail?
* highly important
* of some importance
* of little or no importance
 

9. How important to you is visiting local village communities along the trail?
* highly important
* of some importance
* of little or no importance
 

10. What sort of tourist accommodation do you like to stay in along the trail?
* Camp site Yes No
* Bed and breakfast in village Yes No
* Local guest house Yes No
* Hotel Yes No
 
11. With whom do you normally travel on a walking trail trip?
* Alone Yes No
* with partner/companion Yes No
* with a group of family/friends Yes No
* with a guide Yes No
 

12. Would a one-week trip based on a walking trail in Dominica be attractive to you?
* highly attractive
* of some attraction
* of little or no attraction
 

13. What would you consider to be an acceptable daily charge for access to a trail?
* up to $5
* $5-$10
* $10-$20
* above $20
 

Please specify the capacity in which you are answering this survey.
 
* tour operator
* activity interest group
* media/marketing person
* potential consumer

Finally, could we ask you to provide some brief details about yourself?
 
Age Group: below 30 ;31 - 40 ;41 - 50 ;51 - 60 ; over 60 .
 
When do you travel: any time ; December-April ; May-November .
 
Length of trip: up to one week ; one week ; two week ;three weeks or more .
 
Do you belong to a walking or nature-related club/association? Yes No
 
We appreciate your interest and time in our research and will post an outline of our findings on this website.
 
Robert Cleverdon and Polly Pattullo
Received on Wed Dec 12 19:09:50 2001