Abstract
Mountainous and remote destinations have emerged as symbols of ecological purity, solitude, and regenerative experiences. This trend presents a strategic opportunity for small volcanic islands, whose rugged topographies and ecological integrity were once seen as barriers to tourism development. Nevertheless, a critical question arises: Are travelers willing to pay a premium to access these remote, mountainous islands? We use a double-bound contingent valuation experiment to assess the willingness to pay by U.S. visitors for a trip to Saba, a remote volcanic island in the Caribbean. The analysis explores individuals’ willingness to pay and its relationship with preferences for island geomorphology, difficulty of access, and demographic characteristics. Findings show that while a majority of U.S. visitors to the Caribbean prefer low-lying coral islands with good transportation connectivity, there is a segment of people who prefer rugged, remote islands and is willing to pay a substantial premium for this type of experience.
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