Tourism Promotion of Carrying Capacity for Satun UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract

The research project titled “Tourism Promotion of Carrying Capacity for Satun UNESCO Global Geopark” aimed to; 1) assess the tourism carrying capacity within Satun UNESCO Global Geopark; 2) study measures to regulate the number of tourists at a sustainable level that does not cause damage to tourist sites within the Geopark through participatory approaches; and 3) propose a suitable mechanism to lower the impact of visitors of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. using a mixed-methods research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection instruments included assessment forms, questionnaires, interview protocols, focus group discussions, and workshops. The study involved 30 key informants consisting of community representatives, tourism entrepreneurs, government agencies, and local stakeholders and a sample of 400 tourists aged 20 and above who had visited the geopark. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

The study results revealed that the tourism carrying capacity (CC) indicators of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark were classified as follows: 1) ecological/geological aspects were at the "At and Approach CC" level; 2) physical aspects were at the "Exceed CC" level; 3) psychological aspects were at the " Below CC, Exceed CC, At and Approach CC " level; 4) economic aspects were at the "At and Approach CC" level; 5) sociocultural aspects across all three dimensions were at the "Below CC" level; and 6) most facility aspects were at the "Below CC" level. The tourist volume control measures comprised: 1) management measures, 2) safety measures, and 3) rules and regulations. Regarding the appropriate impact-monitoring mechanism for visitor capacity, the study suggests establishing recreational activity zoning, installing warning and interpretive signage, constructing designated walkways for fossil-viewing, stationing on-site staff, and implementing visitor safety systems. Therefore, relevant agencies should determine tourist spatial carrying capacities to promote conservation and prevent impacts that pose risks and damages to tourism resources within the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark.