Work

Predicting GPS Use Among Visitors in Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park (Catalonia, Spain)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The increasing use of Global Positioning System (GPS) tools reshapes nature-based recreational practices. While previous research has examined the role of GPS technologies in outdoor recreation, limited attention has been given to the specific factors driving GPS use in nature-based settings such as natural parks. This case study examines the socio-demographic, behavioural, motivational and experiential factors influencing GPS use among visitors to the Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park (Catalonia, Spain). A structured visitor survey (n = 999) was conducted over a one-year period, A hierarchical binary logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the explanatory contribution of four sequential variable blocks. The results showed that the behavioural factors (i.e. physical activity intensity), emerged as the strongest predictor of GPS use. Additionally, the final model demonstrated that visitors who were younger, engaged in higher-intensity physical activities, motivated by health-related goals, undertook longer routes, and reported more positive experiences were significantly more likely to use GPS tools during their visit. These findings highlight the need to adapt communication strategies to diverse visitor profiles and leverage volunteered geographic information (VGI) for improved visitor monitoring, flow management, and adaptive conservation planning.

Source: Tourism and Hospitality

DOI: 10.3390/tourhosp6030137

Authors: Sara Hamza-Mayora, Estela Inés Farías-Torbidoni, Demir Barić

Institutions: Universitat de Lleida, Institut Nacional d'Educació Física de Catalunya, University of Rijeka

Language: English

Topic: Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448