Sustainable ecotourism development in the Muslim community after the impact of the tsunami disaster in 2004: a case study in Bang Rong Village, Phuket Province, Thailand

Abstract

This paper deals with sustainable ecotourism development of Muslim communities after the tsunami disaster in Bang Rong Village Phuket Province, Thailand. The objective of this study is to compare the impact of ecotourism which occurred before and after the tsunami disaster by considering 3 criteria: social, economic and the environment. This study also identified potentials of some ecotourism attraction for sustainable ecotourism development. The baseline for sustainable ecotourism indicators that is beneficial in suggesting potential ecotourism attractions were established based on a sustainable development model. There were 66 comprehensive indicators based on physical and ecological characteristics, ecosystem management in tourism attraction, value and importance of tourism attraction, education, spirituality and religious traditions management, participation in conservation, community economic, and policy compliance used in the model. The population sampling groups are government agencies and local authorities based on an in-depth interview of 18 candidates with 6 key persons of tourism business stakeholders, and 361 questionnaires distributed among local people and tourists. The results of this ecotourism attraction potentials assessment, and the impact of ecotourism on the Muslim community, can suggest a specific approach to seven dimensions or theme models for sustainable ecotourism development.