Effects of setting-based management on visitor experience outcomes: Differences across a management continuum

Opinions diverge as to whether visitor experiences vary across setting-based management continua. Evidence suggests that recreationists with different experiences profiles have distinct setting preferences but is mixed regarding supporting a link between settings and experiences. This paper explores the relationship between settings and experiences at Grand Canyon National Park. Our analyses examine variation in experiences across three management zones in two ways: (1) by experience intensity by setting, and (2) size of experience clusters by setting. Results indicated minor differences in experience intensity consistent with the management zone continuum, but large difference in the relative experience clusters size. These results imply that setting management systems may function to change the rate at which experiences are produced rather than the intensity.