Foreign Tourist Satisfaction on Potential of Tourist Attractions at Pa-ngan Island in Surat Thani Province as a Guideline to Promote Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

This research attempted to 1) explore personal information of foreign tourists visited Pa-ngan Island in Surat Thani Province, 2) examine behaviors of the tourists on the island, 3) study the tourists' satisfaction on tourism potentialities of the island, and 4) propose supportive guidelines for sustainable tourism. The methods involved in the collection of data were both quantitative and qualitative method. The population was foreign tourists visited the island. The questionnaire covered a representative sample of 381 tourists chosen by nonprobability sampling, and other 30 tourists were interviewed. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively.

The findings of this research showed that 1) most of the sample were male, single, European, private employees, and 21-30 years old. They'd got a bachelor's degree, and earned 2,001-3,000 $ monthly income. 2) The main purpose of their trip was for relaxation, and the frequency of travel was average once per year. Most of the tourists traveled with a group of friends and received tourism information from journals, magazines, and manuals. They appreciated sunbathing and having a resort to stay. Their trip usually took one week and cost 4,001- 5,000 baht for each person. Obviously, the most favorite tourist attraction was Rin Beach. 3) There were six satisfaction factors on tourism potentialities of the island. The research indicated that the most outstanding potential was impression because of recreational activities. The second potential was attraction because of interesting and unique festivals. The third potential was tourism activities because of suitable activities provided. The fourth potential was facilities because of adequate restaurants. The fifth potential was environment and participation of the locals because of focusing on circumstantial and cultural effects than their own exploitation of local entrepreneurs. The least outstanding potential was accessibility because of lacking comfortable access but clear road signs and maps provided. 4) Based on the results of this study, several recommendations and guidelines can be made to promote sustainable tourism on the island. First, environmental management system should be introduced to reduce negative impacts on the attractions. Second, more transport routes and comfortable forms of transportation should be provided such as seaplanes. In addition, it is necessary to put more awareness among people involved in the preservation of these unique and various attractions as steps to sustainable tourism.