MODELING RECREATION DEMAND IN A POISSON SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS - AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE-RATES

We extend count data travel cost modeling by developing a utility theo retic system of semilogarithmic recreation demand equations. The restr ictions required to make the system utility theoretic are applied duri ng estimation. The model is applied to individual wilderness recreatio n trips in a system of four Canadian wilderness parks. The resulting d emand system is used to examine the impacts of changing U.S.-Canadian currency exchange rates on participation and welfare of U.S. recreatio nists.