Marine Tourism Predicament in Andaman Sea from Declining Biotic and Water Quality

Abstract

Thailand’s marine tourism relies heavily on pristine environments; hence, preservation of environmental quality is vital for sustainable tourism. In this study, tourist activities, perceptions and satisfactions with marine environmental condition were examined by questionnaire survey at the island province of Phuket, and two nearby marine national parks (Phi Phi and Surin) to cover high to low tourist intensities (2,032 survey responses). Two tourist groups were identified based on the main purpose of their visit and activities undertaken: underwater experience explorers (Surin) and those visiting principally for rest and relaxation (Phuket and Phi Phi). Environmental data such as coral condition, fish species and fish quantity were collected by line intercept and belt transect techniques while water quality parameters such as dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved inorganic phosphorus and total suspended solids were analysed in the laboratory. Environmental data indicated that water quality and underwater biotic characteristics decreased with increasing level of tourist intensity. Satisfaction declined with declining quality of water (increasing pollution level) (r² = -0.18, -0.21, -0.32 for dissolved nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus and total suspended solids, respectively; n = 1,683; p<0.01). However, level of satisfaction increased with increasing quality of coral, fish variety and fish quantity (r² = 0.34, 0.29, 0.25; n = 1,698; p<0.01). Thai and foreign tourists responded differently to questions regarding a hypothetical decline in reef quality (real or perceived) in the future; Thai tourists would contribute to resource restoration through involvement in conservation projects, while international tourists would change their destination. The implication is that the sustainability of Thai marine-based tourism is vulnerable to a decline in tourist satisfaction with the quality of reefs. Given the economic importance of international tourism to Thailand, the study area’s tourism dependency on quality marine experiences, and its declining reef quality, efforts to abate existing anthropogenic threats to reefs must be a priority.