Carrying capacity indicators for marine park management in Perhentian and Tioman Islands

Abstract

As one of the most important economic resources, tourism is consistently promoted through massive campaigns. The development has resulted in an unavoidable change in the natural environment, such that even well-managed ecotourism sites cause deterioration of their base resources and culture. While various studies on sustainable tourism have been conducted, there has yet to be researched that suggests the limits of acceptable change for the Marine Park. However, suggesting a number is not a long-term solution as it will not be maintained over time due to many external factors. Therefore, this research suggested identifying the most significant indicator for tourism carrying capacity. Concentrating on the hierarchy of importance will make the stakeholders more efficient in focusing on what matters the most in the marine parks. The methodology applied in this study is the triangulation approach, which involves identifying relevant indicators via content analysis, determining the stakeholder via stakeholder analysis and indicator screening via a questionnaire survey and structured interviews. The data collected was analyzed using the analytical hierarchy (AHP) process based on the decision-making multi-criteria process (MCDM) using Super decision software. The AHP approach is chosen because it is commonly used in MCDM, and it has the potential to reveal relative priorities by pair comparison. This research would rank among the most relevant indicators and best practices of tourist arrival in Marine Park. Based on the study, it is discovered that for Pulau Perhentian Marine Parks, the biophysical environment (0.291) is the most important indicator, followed by Planning Control Law (0.250), Tourism Facilities Management (0.229), Economic Development (0.149) and lastly social-cultural (0.081). A different situation for Pulau Tioman Marine Parks is where Tourism Facilities Management ranks first with a priority vector of 0.344, followed by Planning Control Law (0.189) and Social Cultural (0.183). Biophysical environment scores (0.148) at the lower rank and Economic Development with 0.136. This research supported the management of the Marine Park by defining requirements that would lead to the Park's continued success by prioritizing the most important metrics for successful management and planning. From the most significant elements, it is hoped that further research will quantify the limits and give a precise guideline to the best practice in limiting the acceptable change at the marine park. This study also proves the theory that tourism carrying capacity is fitted especially to a particular site as it works according to the issues and problems encountered locally.