Recreational Value of the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the socio-economic background of visitors in the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park and the recreational value of the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park based on the individual travel cost model (ITCM) and the willingness to pay (WTP). Data were collected by interviewing 400 visitors who had traveled to the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park during the period from February to September 2022.

The results indicated that a majority of the visitors were females with an average age of 36 years. Most of them were Buddhists, single, having at least graduated with a bachelor’s degree, working in the private sector with an average salary of 24,890.24 Baht/month. Some of them had traveled for the first-time, were on day trips for recreational purposes with a family having an average of four members. Satisfaction with the facilities was recorded as between average and high levels. Most of the visitors wanted to come back to this forest park again.

The recreational value of the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park was estimated using an individual travel cost model with the factors affecting travel to the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park being salary per month of the visitors and the total travel cost. The recreational value was estimated at 70,742,501.20 Baht/year. The recreational value of Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park estimated using the contingent valuation method by willingness to pay with travel to Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park and salary per month of the visitors being the factors estimated the value at 1,071,951.90 Baht/year. The results of this study can be used for allocating optimal budgets for the maintenance of facilities that were average to below average in the survey and the development of Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park as a potential recreation area. The results can be used to meet the needs of visitors efficiently and sustainably, as well as providing information to determine the entrance fee for tourism in the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park.