Providing learning opportunities at recreational areas using visitors’ motivations Case study: Choghakhoor international wetland in Iran

With the increase of nature-based tourism and recreation on recreational areas in Iran, recreation and tourism planners have an opportunity to provide environmental education to a wide diversity of people. However, recreationists visit natural areas to attain a variety of experiences and benefits, which might or might not include learning. Through an examination of visitors to Choghakhoor international wetland of Iran, this study identified (1) the recreation benefits visitors to Choghakhoor international wetland, (2) the role learning plays in recreationists‟ motivations to visit water-based recreation areas, and (3) the recreation opportunities (i.e. facilities and services) that will best provide learning opportunities for all visitors. Respondents were divided into four groups according to where they were surveyed and whether or not they had a strong interest in learning. Three of the four groups indicated an interest in developed services and facilities (e.g. visitor centers and museums) to provide for learning opportunities. Results also showed that some visitors‟ desires for learning benefits were not related to developed facilities and were more closely associated with passive recreational activities and settings. Finally, Specific planning implications for the four types of nature based tourists are described

Keywords:

recreation , visitors‟ motivations , learning , Choghakhoor international wetland , Iran