Tourism-environment interaction in the western bays of Phuket Island

Abstract

This study examines the tourism-environment interaction along the western bays between well-defined headlands on the island of Phuket, Thailand. Specific areas of study include provision of access; removal of vegetation; removal of beach ridges; construction on the backshore; provision of coastasl protection, and changes of streams and stream outlets. In order to provide a sustainable tourism environment, the study recommends that a sufficient setback from the shore to the coastal road should be established; no permanent structures or roads should be built on the backshore; development should be confined to the area landward of the coastal road; the clearing of natural vegetation and the levelling of beach ridges should be carried out selectively; more attention should be paid to streams and outlets; streams should not be used for receiving wastewater and development should be kept away from stream outlets; effluent should not be discharged into bays, and the construction of seawalls should be opposed. Beach nourishment is the preferred option. The results of the study have wider implications for coastal tourism planning. -from Author