A Study of Carrying Capacity to Accommodate Tourists and Develop Management System towards Becoming a Model of Sustainable Tourism Ecosystem, Songkhla Lake Basin Area

Abstract

        The purposes of this research were to 1) study the capacity to accommodate tourists, Songkhla Lake Basin Area and 2) propose guidelines for developing the management system to become a model for a sustainable tourism ecosystem, Songkhla Lake Basin Area. This research employed a mixed-method approach. The quantitative research involved using a questionnaire administered to 400 tourists with simple random and data analysis included frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The qualitative research by focus groups were used with 120 tourism stakeholders in the target areas and analyzed data using content analysis. The results of the research found that 1) the capacity to accommodate tourists Songkhla Lake basin area in physical aspects and facilities, environmental aspects, psychological aspects, social and cultural aspects and economic aspects, the areas researched, including Talay Noi, Koh Mak and Songkhla old town were at a high level, showing well preparation to accommodate the incoming tourists. 2) in terms of developing a management system to become a model for a sustainable tourism ecosystem Songkhla Lake Basin Area, appropriate measures should be put in place to limit the number of tourists entering the area or specify the time period for entering the activity areas. Sufficient provisions of standard toilets, public areas and seating areas to accommodate tourists were demanded. This would result in spending more time at the tourist attractions. Facilities for the elderly and disabled tourists as well as CCTV should be well provided for the safety of tourists.