Geo Case Study: Samui Island Tourism Impacts PDF
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Summary
This case study examines the development and impacts of tourism on Samui Island in Thailand. It details how tourism has boosted the island's economy and created jobs, but also highlights the negative consequences on traditional farming and fishing communities, local culture, and the environment. The rapid increase in tourism has led to strain on infrastructure and potential increases in crime.
Full Transcript
TNy ! ~ Development and impacts of tourism on Samul Island 'Loc in.the at west ofed the Gulf [ | of Thailand, Samui Island is the . g \“[ N 2’9 Angthong National _ third largest island in Thailand. It Ll jy is surrounded by ov60eisr lands %j and has beautiful landscapes - (Fig. 2.8)....
TNy ! ~ Development and impacts of tourism on Samul Island 'Loc in.the at west ofed the Gulf [ | of Thailand, Samui Island is the . g \“[ N 2’9 Angthong National _ third largest island in Thailand. It Ll jy is surrounded by ov60eisr lands %j and has beautiful landscapes - (Fig. 2.8). .% Marine Park e—rw \/Lézveng Samuli L"\7 T el Ry 0. - 10 Y 3 e _' ma Iof_rft spot Fig. 2.8 Location of Samui Islang Tourism development Samui Island has diverse tourism resources, ranging from stunning beaches, valuable coral reefs to its unique culture. They make the island a famous tourist spot in the world (Fig. 2.9). In recent years, tourism has been developing rapidly on Samui Island. The number of tourists tripled from less than 0.4 million in 2001 to over 1.2 million in 2017 (Fig. 2.10). Number of visitors (ten thousand) -y oo nY N o 3 3 o o S 140 e 111 l 110 Im_lj 11 Ijl 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2;009 2010 ear Fig.’2.10 Number of visitors to Samui Island, 2001-2017 Samuilsland #%#8& Tourism resource MRBFELT Coral reef Hij3§Tk 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Source: Tourism Authority and Civil Aviation Autharity of Thailand Impacts Tourism brings both benefits and problems to Samui Island. 1. Benefits e Economy: Tourism creates income and 'job opportunities for Samui Island. It is an important economic pillar (Fig. 2.11). [ e Society: Power supply, communication Tourism networks, roads and airport facilities Culture and environment: 1 ' 0 US$ are improved. e : e u n e v e r m s i r u o T v . . , Wy D) Historic 7bi||ion Created million more than jobs buildings, local cultures and the natural environment are P protected. Source: World Travel & Tourism Council Fig. 2.11 Economic benefits of tourism to Samui Island, 2019 2. Problems e Economy: Farming production has reduced since farmlands and fish ponds were changed into tourist areas. Many farmers and fishermen have also lost their jobs. In addition, the rising cost of living has increased the burden of the local people. o Society: The influx of tourists has put huge pressure on transport and community facilities. Public order has also worsened due to increasing crimes. e Culture and environment: The simple lifestyle, traditional culture and religious customs of Samui Island are gradually lost due to tourism development. Natural landscapes and" ecosystems have also beendestroyed by the building of tourism facilities (Fig. 2.12).
