Impact of climate change on tourism in Mu Ko Surin National Park, Thailand | |
| Author | Onanong Cheablam |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.NR-14-05 |
| Subject(s) | Climatic changes--Thailand--Mu Ko Surin National Park Tourism--Environmental aspects--Thailand--Mu Ko Surin National Park |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. NR-14-05 |
| Abstract | Many tourist destinations around the world have found themselves vulnerable to climate change, especially in marine and coastal areas, where tourist attractions dependent on weather and climate conditions, affect in glo b al tourism industries. Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park , the study area, has been experiencing quite evident impacts from the changing climate. In particular, coral bleaching, which results from the rise in sea surface temperature, seems to be the most significant problem in the study area.The general objective of this research was to investigate the impa ct of climate change on tourism in terms of tourism resources, tourism activities, and tourist perceptions. Also, this research aimed to investigate adaptation activities in Mu Ko Surin National Park. This study employed an on - site survey. Data were colle cted by questionnaires used in face - to - face interviews during peak tourist season, i.e. between February and March, of 2011. A total of 200 tourists were interviewed using a simple random sampling technique . An o ther primary data collection method employed was key information interview . Secondary data were gathered or extracted from various sources related to climate, resources in Mu Ko Surin. Both quantitative and qualitative data analyses were applied . The main findings of the study were that Phangnga P rovince is expected to experience less cold days, and cold nights would also become less frequent , while hot days and hot nights would be come more frequent in the future. An increase in sea temperature in 2010 had a prominent impact on tourism resources, p articularly coral reefs, in Mu Ko Surin National Park. All corals had been affected by bleaching in more than 75% of all tourists destinations of the park, many of them even suffering coral death. This has led to a reduction in fish population. Sandy beach es have eroded due to sea level rise and strong waves during monsoon season, especially Mai Ngam Beach, which has eroded at the rate of about 0.38 m per year . Similarly, increased intense precipitation events led to landslides in Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai resulting in the loss of attractivity of the nature trails. However, water resources are still sufficient and clean enough for tourism activities. Despite the coral reef degradation, the main travel motivation of international and domestic tourists was still observing and enjoying coral reefs and marine life, besides the local climate considered as highly important for their travel decisions. While the majority of both Thai and international respondents perceived that Mu Ko Surin National Park has suffered some environmental damage , particularly, coral death, the perception levels were different between international and domestic tourists . T he majority of respondents were also concerned that c limate change had affected Mu Ko Surin and global climate change affected tourism in general. In addition, respondents were concerned that tourism itself was a sector that in turn impacted climate change, and they were interested in helping to mitigate the contribution of tourism activities to climate change . Despite the witnessed environmental damage, particularly to the corals , almost all respondents expressed satisfaction with their travel experience, and more than half of all respondents would like to r eturn to Mu Ko Surin. The main activities motivating a revisit were snorkeling, swimming and sun bathing . Tourism businesses also are highly dependent on weather conditions, hence, climate and its change are crucial for tourism operations. Tourism businesses perceived that temperature, precipitation and sea level have increased continuously and have observed m ass coral bleaching in recent past. The impact of coral bleaching has affected tourism businesses, especially tour operations. As re commendations, it is suggested to have guidelines for best - practice adaptive management encompassing five themes, namely, co ral bleaching preparedness and management, natural tourism resources management, coral reef adaptation research and management plan, technical adaptations, and tourism destination and activity changes. Tourism resources and activities will have to change a nd adapt to climate change. This study points out that coral reefs cannot remain the main resource in the future, but sea, landscape, seascape, beaches and forests should be built up as the main replacement resources. |
| Year | 2014 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. NR-14-05 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Soparth Pongquan ;Jourdain, Damien; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship ;Royal Thai Government; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2014 |