Slabbert, LiandiDu Preez, Elizabeth Ann2022-06-302023Liandi Slabbert & Elizabeth Ann du Preez (2023): Advancing visitor research uptake in policy and practice: a structural equation model, Tourism Recreation Research, vol. 48, no. 5, pp. 766-785. DOI: 10.1080/02508281.2021.1948717.0250-8281 (print)2320-0308 (online)10.1080/02508281.2021.1948717https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/86008A great deal of visitor research is being produced, yet sub-optimal use thereof in practice raises concerns. This study is the first to measure actual levels of utilisation of visitor research in tourism and recreation management, using protected areas as context. It investigates seven potential drivers of use including the adaptation of research outputs; organisational context; dissemination efforts by researchers; engagement between practitioners and researchers; linkage mechanisms; skills, capacity and awareness of practitioners, and the timing of the research. A structural equation model was developed and tested using data collected from 252 producers of visitor research. The online survey results empirically confirm other scholars’ beliefs of the underutilisation of research in protected area policies and practices. Engagement between the researcher and practitioner communities and the potential absorptive capacity of protected areas contribute significantly to increased research uptake levels. The importance of both the interaction and organisational interest explanations in knowledge utilisation is confirmed. Managerial implications are discussed along with recommendations for future research.en© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an electronic version of an article published in Tourism Recreation Research, vol. 48, no. 5, pp. 766-785, 2023, doi: 10.1080/02508281.2021.1948717. Tourism Recreation Research is available online at : https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rtrr20.Knowledge utilisationTourismResearch-practice gapVisitor researchAbsorptive capacityStructural equation modelling (SEM)Postprint Article