Estimation the Recreational Value of Eram Botanical Garden Using the Contingent Valuation Method

Eram Botanical Garden is located in the city of Shiraz in Fars province. Due to having tourist attractions and 450 different plant species, is one of the major monuments and attractions in Iran. The purpose of this study was to estimate the recreational value of Eram Botanical Garden using the contingent valuation method. To obtain the sample number, 300 questionnaires were completed by random sampling to pre-test. Based on the results of pre-test questionnaires and at 9% error level, the sample size was estimated to be 170. Finally, the designed questionnaire was completed by 170 individuals randomly. The results show that about 85% of people accept the proposed amount and based on the estimated model, the average willingness to pay was estimated 18,385 rials per visit. The total annual recreational value of the garden was estimated 14929906950 rials, the average annual recreational value per household was 816,294 rials and Eram Botanical Garden recreational value per hectare was estimated 1194392556 rials. The findings of this study could be a useful guide for policymakers, the country’s cultural heritage planners, and Shiraz municipality in order to determine the appropriate price of the ticket and to finance the costs of providing services and maintaining and restoration of this place.