Using Revealed and Stated Preference Data to Estimate the Scope and Access Benefits Associated with Cave Diving

Abstract

In a single-site travel cost model framework, revealed and stated preference data are jointly estimated to provide the first use value estimate associated with recreational cave diving. Focusing on one of Florida’s first magnitude springs, we estimate average per-person per-trip use values of approximately $165, generating annual cave diving use values in excess of$1,150. Further, in an investigation of potential site quality changes, we find that divers are sensitive to scope effects with an additional cave system increasing annual per-person use values by approximately $130, while improved access yields an additional$57 in per-person annual consumer surplus. Finally, three additional model specifications are estimated and indicate that divers use different travel cost preferences when assessing their revealed and stated preference trip counts but a single preference structure to evaluate site quality changes. Key Words: Revealed and Stated Behavior; Scope Effects; Access; Travel Cost Preferences