Unpacking Sustainable Tourism Development for Bang Krachao: Opportunities, Challenges and Pathway Forward

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate Bang Krachao (BK) Island’s potential as a destination for nature-based outdoor recreation. Qualitative techniques, including SWOC analysis, were used to propose a strategic plan for managing and sustaining tourism in Bang Krachao. Field observations and face-to-face interviews were conducted to understand that tourism and visitation generate a range of impacts on the environment and local communities. Stakeholders’ narratives, reflecting varying values, perceive these effects as both positive and harmful. The results offer insightful guidance on how to regulate tourism to protect Bang Krachao’s natural integrity, providing stakeholders and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation. This study offers ideas and tactics for managing sustainable tourism in this area and for enhancing the current state of affairs.

Keywords: Bang Krachao (BK), Environment, Nature Tourism, Protected Area, Sustainable Tourism, SWOC Analysis, Visitors

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