Modelling domestic marine and coastal tourism demand using logit and travel cost count models

Domestic marine and coastal tourism has increased in importance over the last number of years due to the impacts of environmental concerns connected with international travel, the associated health benefits and COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Consequently, this paper analyses the determinants of demand for domestic day trips and overnight stays by Irish residents to marine and coastal areas. Two logit models examine the factors that influence participation in the coastal day trip and overnight stay markets, respectively. Two truncated travel cost models are employed to explore trip duration, one analysing the number of day trips taken and the other examining the number of nights spent in marine and coastal areas. The results suggest a division amongst those who can and cannot access marine and coastal tourism. In particular, those who are financially better off have a greater level of access to Irish marine and coastal tourism. Additionally, although generally disregarded in tourism policy and marketing, the results indicate a vibrant day trip market that commands high per person consumer surplus.