Environmental Dimension of Sustainable Tourism Management in Lan Khoi Sub-district Municipality, Pa Phayom District, Phatthalung Province

Abstract

Tourism activities could cause the decay of tourism resources and the surrounding environment, intrusion of natural resources, obstruction of views, destroying nature, and increasing of pollution. This study aimed to investigate environment tourism management and to propose how to reduce negative impacts from tourism activities at Lan Khoi Sub-district Municipality, Pa Phayom District, Phatthalung Province. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. The data were gathered from three groups of informants: five staff members from the local municipal office and twenty entrepreneurs of accommodation and rafting who were selected by means of purposive sampling. The last group consisted of four hundred tourists who were selected using convenience sampling. A questionnaire and interview questions were used as the research instruments. Content analysis was applied for qualitative data and presented using descriptive explanation. Mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative data. The findings showed that Lan Khoi Sub-district Municipality and the enterprises have managed the waste, wastewater and organized public relations campaigns to promote public awareness in preserving natural and environmental resources such as posting relevant public signs in different places like the ones to instruct using waste bins and keeping the area clean. In terms of tourism impacts, they were classified into both positive and negative. The positive impacts were the consequences of tourism activities including the infrastructure and facilities, environmental development, employment and better incomes of the villagers, more relaxing places, more environmental awareness, and preservation of natural landscapes by local community. The negative impacts of tourism activities on the other hand, were caused by the deterioration of tourism and environment resources, obscure scenery, natural destruction, and environmental problems. This can contribute to a rise in waste and wastewater while having fewer areas of rainforests, and inappropriate use of land. Findings of this study can provide insights for Lan Khoi Subdistrict Municipality Office to apply sustainable tourism management approach. This can be done through designing practical measures and planning, conducting projects which require the local municipality, community, and enterprises to work collaboratively to reduce negative environmental effects. In addition, trainings, enforcement of law, conducting public relations activities, coordinating with relevant offices are also important in the management process. Finally, tourism business entrepreneurs should be given opportunities to exchange their ideas and take part in designing models for sustainable tourism management.