Abstract
The purpose of this study is to grasp the current state of the image of the river space, which is changing, and to clarify the interrelationship between the image of the river space, the use of tourism, and the formation of attitudes toward participation in river beautification activities.
A questionnaire survey was conducted targeting residents in the Yura River basin in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Using the survey data, covariance structure analysis was performed and based on the results of verifying the hypothetical model, the interrelationship between the image of river space, willingness to support tourism, and willingness to participate in river beautification activities was estimated. Based on the estimation results, the findings are summarized as follows.
1 In addition to improving the visual image of the river space and the mental image simultaneously, if it is possible to constantly show the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism, it will be useful for river tourism and community development. In response, the understanding and support of more basin residents can be obtained.
2 While maintaining a good " visual image " and " mantal image " of the river space, improving the safety image by ensuring safety through river development, etc. will gain support for the tourism of the river space.
3 Even if the " safety image " of the river space is improved, there are concerns about the threat to the living environment due to tourism. Securing the quality of the living environment for river basin residents must always be incorporated into tourism activities.
4 When appealing to river basin residents to participate in river beautification activities, it is more effective to simply point out the physical shortage of river space.
5 If we are to gain the support of more residents in the river basin for tourism in the river space, we have to accept the fact that only some residents participate in river beautification activities.
