Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Conclusion
The supply of trails is extremely difficult to measure, as is demand. The
number of trails, pathways, scenic routes and other linear resources is impos-
sible to quantify for a whole variety of reasons, such as the ways they are
classified, their different sizes, intensity of use, surface quality, ownership
and management, locations, or the multi-jurisdictional aspects of many
cross-border trails (Moore & Shafer, 2001). The best we can do is categorize
them so that they can be studied, evaluated and measured. Many are private,
many are public, many are small, many are large, many are nature-based,
many are culture-based, many are historical and many are of more recent
vintage. Chapters 2 and 3 examine the supply side of tourism and recreation
trails. What they all have in common, however, is theming where points
along the trail are linked together, either as being representative of a period
of time or illustrative of cultural or natural phenomena (Meyer-Cech, 2005).
Long-distance routes attract visitors to a set of historically important cul-
tural attractions by creating an attractively linked themed product (Shackley,
2003: 13). Nature trails, or countryside pathways, are themed as connectors
or recreation trails that provide access to nature for their users, and they
commonly focus on a specific ecosystem.
This chapter has not attempted to highlight every size, scale or type of
trail, path or tourist corridor but rather to provide an overview of the main
types, forms and functions. A useful way to encapsulate trails and routes is
through the use of a conceptual model. Conceptual models are abstractions
of reality, but they also serve as a useful tool by which one can position any
trail or route. The conceptual model shown in Figure 1.1 also acts as a frame
Wider macro-policy environment
Seng: Wilderness/peripheral
Type: Cultural
Nature of Experience
Nature
Urban
Figure 1.1 Conceptual model of trails and routes: A nested hierarchy
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