Factors Affecting Visitors’ Response to Recreational Use Regulations in National Parks

Abstract

Visitor opinions and the factors affecting their response were surveyed regarding the recreational use regulations in national parks. Khao Yai National Park and Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park were studied as representatives of a Land and Marine National Park, respectively. Data were collected from 400 visitors using a questionnaire. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics and multiple regression using a significance test level of 0.05. The 8 variables considered were: visiting experience, activities performed in the aera, overnight stay, motivation for developing potential and enhancing self-esteem, motivation for personal needs, motivation for being surrounded by nature and spending time with close friends and family, knowledge of regulations and awareness of the environment and natural resources.

Based on the results, most visitors chose scenic activities, the most important motivation for visiting national parks was relaxation from stress and they had knowledge of the regulations for recreational use in national parks, with a high level of awareness of the environment and natural resources. However, some visitors were not aware of newly enacted regulations. Nonetheless, opinion regarding the suitability of regulations for recreational use in national parks was at a high level. Positive factors affecting visitor response to the regulations for recreational use in national parks were the awareness of the environment and natural resources (Beta = 0.480, t = 9.806, p < 0.001) and motivation for personal needs (Beta = 0.146; t = 2.777; p = 0.006). In contrast, negative factors were the actual activities in the area. (Beta = -0.128; t = -2.663; p = 0.008) and the visitor experience (Beta = -0.111; t = -2.547; p = 0.011). Thus, the new recreational use regulations should be promoted widely in many ways, so they become well-known and are followed properly by visitors.