An Economics Valuation of Recreational Benefits of Coral Reef at Mu Kho Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study tourism behavior, economic cost of tourism and valuation of recreational benefits of Coral Reef at Mu Kho Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province. The data used in this study were data from interviews with Thai tourists using 400 sample questionnaires. The statistics used for analysis were mean, standard deviation, percent, and regression analysis. Economic evaluation of recreational used Incentive Travel and Corporate Meetings (ITCM)

The results showed that decision to visit Mu Kho Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani found that friends as the reason for their decision to travel was 31.80 percent. The main purpose of the trip was to relax at 80.00 percent. The main incentive for this trip is that Mu Kho Ang Thong National Park in Surat Thani Province has beautiful corals at 29.60 percent. The recreational activity was snorkeling at 24.30 percent. The total cost of travel was 16,901.70 baht, direct cost 13,928.65 baht and indirect cost 2,973.05 baht. The regression analysis showed that the number of tourists at Mu Kho Ang Thong National Park affected the economic cost of the tour. There was an inverse relationship at the significance level of 0.01. The value of recreational coral resources of tourists traveling is valued at 32,873,950.76 baht per year. Recreation value in research showed that Mu Kho Ang Thong National Park created high economic and psychological value. Therefore, government agencies and people in all sectors should pay special attention to preserving such areas in harmony with Thailand