 Abstract | The principal aim of this thesis was to investigate visitation to Melbourne by regional Victorians with particular emphasis on finding ways to improve visitation to metropolitan parks. This thesis incorporated two theories of leisure participation, from which a conceptual framework was developed. Crawford, Jackson and Godbey’s (1991) constraints model and Raymore’s (2002) facilitator’s framework were used to investigate the decision making process of regional visitors to Melbourne’s parks.
Earlier quantitative research by Parks Victoria indicated a decline in visitation of both regional Victorians and Melburnians to Melbourne’s metropolitan parks between the years 2000 and 2003 (Community Perception Monitor (CPM), 2000 - 2003). This finding produced an opportunity to conduct research into the constraints on metropolitan park use, particularly by regional Victorians. The research was conducted using individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gather the requisite data from both regional Victoria and Melbourne. This information was used to establish recommendations in order to raise interest in visiting Melbourne’s metropolitan parks.
It was found that, as the majority of regional visitors to Melbourne planning a short-break collect their information prior to departure, park information needs to be available before they embark. Whilst visiting Melbourne, regional visitors agreed that they would utilise local knowledge produced by their host to fill any of their limited spare time. Consequently, Melburnians should be seen as a potential prime source of information for visitors. However, this thesis found that Melburnians themselves were often unaware of local park attractions, so part of the strategy to raise interest in visiting Melbourne’s parks must be targeted at Melburnians as local tourists. |
