Paper Title :Interpretation and Tourism Perception: Case Study of Surin Island National Park, Thailand

Author :Pornnapat Berndt

Article Citation :Pornnapat Berndt , (2017 ) " Interpretation and Tourism Perception: Case Study of Surin Island National Park, Thailand " , International Journal of Management and Applied Science (IJMAS) , pp. 61-65, Volume-3,Issue-10

Abstract : Abstract: Freeman Tilden, one of the first person whose establish the principles and theories of Heritage Interpretation. He defined it as “An educational activity which aims to reveal meaning and relationships through the use of original objects, by first-hand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information.” [1]. Tilden’s book “Interpreting our Heritage (1977)” is still very relevant until today. While The ICOMOS Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites definitions ‘Interpretation’ as “Interpretation refers to the full range of potential activities intended to heighten public awareness and enhance understanding of cultural heritage site. These can include print and electronic publications, public lectures, on-site and directly related off-site installations, educational programmes, community activities and ongoing research, training, and evaluation of the interpretation process itself [2].” As definitions above, therefore it could said that interpretation is an important channel to communicate to people and it will heighten public awareness and enhance understanding of cultural heritage site Surin Island National Park located in South part of Thailand. It consists of 5 Island which are North Surin Island, South Surin Island, Ree Island, Kai Island and Klang Island. It areas contain 84,375 or 135 Square Kilometer. It is a popular tourist attraction for snorkeling due to their beautiful fringing reef such as Cauliflower Coral Staghorn Coral Mushroom Coral brain coral. In addition it also have abundant kind of beautiful fish such as Parrot fish, Moorish idol, Triggerfish, etc. [3]. Fig. 1 Surin Islands National Park, Thailand Source: Dr. Pornnapat, February 16, 2017 At present, seagrass in Surin Island National Park is now more Abundant than the past therefore it attract to sea turtles to settle here. [4]. Beside, Surin Island National Park is the residence of more than 80 kind of birds such as Big Bang, Sea anemone, Red hawk include the rare bird species as Nicobar Pigeon too. Besides, it also has abundant of flora species.Aside from the plentiful of flora and fauna, it also is the home of Moken, sea people whose now settle down here. [5]. Fig. 2 Surin Islands National Park, Thailand Source: Pornnapat, February 16, 2017 As mention above, it could say that Surin Island National Park is contains high value of both natural and cultural significance. However, in term of interpretation at the site, it seen to be lack of efficiency to communicated to tourist and enhance their conservation awareness. Therefore, researcher then would like to study on tourist perception toward International Journal of Management and Applied Science, ISSN: 2394-7926 Volume-3, Issue-10, Oct.-2017 http://iraj.in Interpretation and Tourism Perception: Case Study of Surin Island National Park, Thailand 62 interpretation in Surin Island National Park. Research result will lead to the guideline to improve interpretation intended to give more information and rising up their conservation awareness. To accomplish the goals and objectives, qualitative research was applied. The study also used both primary data and secondary data. From research result, it was revealed that the tourist perception toward interpretation considered as mean scores 3.32 considered as average perception level. This research result reflected the less efficiency of interpretation which could not enhance tourist awareness as it should be. Government sector should foresee the important of this high value natural and cultural significance of this site. Keywords: Interpretation, Surin Island National Park, Tourism Pereption, Natural Heritage Site

Type : Research paper

Published : Volume-3,Issue-10

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