Financing recreational trails through donations: Testing behavioural theory in mountain biking context

The funding of recreational trails in publicly accessible nature areas is a prevailing challenge for the development tourism destinations. In some cases, mandatory fees are neither ideologically nor legally supported, meaning that local stakeholders reliant on voluntary contributions trail users. light motivational barriers and uncertainties hinder recreationists from donating, we tested behaviourally informed interventions to enhance cooperation such settings. Specifically, examined effect normative social cues share amount donations mountain biking by conducting field experiment rural destination Sweden. Consistent with our predictions previous studies, found an increase both donation donators after intervention. Additionally, research shows change behaviour seems be related belief about others, which can easily targeted policies. These findings imply contribution schemes enhanced messages provide effective strategies nature-based trails. importance developing these regard context highlighted. Mountain bikers are, large extent, willing contribute financially upkeep through donations. Proving information framing techniques highlight this norm further contributions. Contributions approximately SEK100–120 (€9–11) per visit seem Rörbäcksnäs. Stakeholders involved management might benefit making more effort raise awareness possibilities donate, example channels displays, testing different placements designs.