Not so demanding! Employing the Fuzzy-hybrid TOPSIS to explain (un) demanding whale-watcher behaviour

Abstract

Whale-watching is a significant economic activity in many regions worldwide. However, meeting whale-watchers' expectations present sustainability challenges. This study analyses the demanding behaviour of whale-watchers using a Fuzzy-Hybrid TOPSIS method to empirically validate a 'whale-watching (un)demanding behaviour' synthetic index. This index predicts how socioeconomic and travel-related factors influence the level of demand placed on the activity. We assessed 19 'importance-items' (i.e., key aspects of the whale-watching experience) identifying critical covariates that shape the synthetic index. Our fieldwork surveyed 490 travellers following whale-watching excursions in the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores. Findings indicate that undemanding behaviours are desirable in whale-watching. The feature of being 'undemanding' is present in tourists who consider the activity's educational content and responsible environmental management over closeup whale encounters. From a managerial perspective, the index serves as a decision-making tool to promote more responsible practices in the industry.

Keywords

Whale-watching tourism; Tourist importance; (un)demanding behaviour; Fuzzy logic; Hybrid TOPSIS

Published in

Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
2025, volume: 51, article number: 100919
Publisher: ELSEVIER

SLU Authors

• Suárez Rojas, Chaitanya

  • Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

UKÄ Subject classification

Economic Geography

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2025.100919

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/143043