Visitor Management for Ecotourism Development at World Heritage Site: Case Study of Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Author: Wiwik Mahdayani
Year of Publication: 2011
Published by ©DESMA Center
This technical research describes about visitor management at Khao Yai National Park (KYNP), a World Heritage Site (WHS) and ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) that receives progressive visitors since its establishment. It focuses on how KYNP provides quality service to improve visitors’ experience while maintaining management objectives of the park. The research also covers level of visitor satisfaction towards information and service provided, and stakeholder roles to conserve values of the park and how they contribute to visitor management process. The research presents results of observation, interviews to stakeholders and visitors, together with data collection via questionnaires that have been conducted inside the park. The 210 questionnaires collected from international and domestic visitors at KYNP includes interpretation regarding all aspects of the park, information that effectively increase the awareness of visitors towards wildlife, important environmental aspects of the park, and possibly assist the park authorities to manage visitor towards the park. The findings showcase generally known the visit to WHS is generated by its status is not the case of visitors in KYNP. Most visitors also are satisfied with the service provided but other special case of dissatisfaction also found. It also presents discussion and other important issues on capacity building and integrated promotion as strategies towards visitor management at KYNP.
Keywords: Visitor Management, Ecotourism, Satisfaction level, Stakeholders roles, Natural World Heritage Site, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
