Estimating the Recreation Value of Homestay Based Ecotourism in Western Ghats of India

This study estimated the recreation value of homestay based ecotourism in Kodagu district, India. Travel cost demand estimated using the Poisson regression showed that the variables such as education, gender and family are positively associated with the visitor-days. While travel cost and lodging expenses exerted negative influence on the visitor days. The consumer surplus for visiting homestays was estimated at INR 4295 per visitor. The results justify that given the ecotourism activities and associated nature conservation endeavors undertaken through these homestays, a specific policy with support from the government is essential for sustainable development of homestay based ecotourism in Western Ghats.