Education : visitor management tool to reduce direct ecological impact resulting from marine tourism : case study: Con Dao, Vietnam

Abstract

Education is frequently used within visitor management, as a soft approach to fulfil different objectives e.g. increase awareness, alter behaviour. This thesis attempts to shed some light regarding how it can be used to reduce direct ecological impacts. For such to take place the tool needs to result in behavioural change(s) i.e. reduce destructive actions. In many situations though, education is not as a sufficient motivator for such. This might imply that the “win-win” situation, main reason for the tool’s stated efficiency, is seldom reached. Main emphasis of the thesis is to centralize this problem. The explorative approach has led to findings, which will hopefully aid future visitor management. These include: initial explanation of varying efficiency of the tool(s) e.g. destructive actions lead to benefits, how can educational tools alter the benefits; and ultimately zoning the need for educational tools. It also questions the routine manner of incorporating imprecise objectives within management e.g. need for education, and change visitors’ behaviour, which will solely lead to resource loss. Many models link education with behavioural change. Few, if any can be directly used as a practical tool within visitor management. Since one cannot expect managers to grasp the jungle of existing theoretical frameworks, this thesis initiates the process of developing such.

Second part of the thesis applies all prior findings to a case study location: Con Dao, Vietnam. Current use of educational tools is very limited, and since extensive tourism development is about to take place in this archipelago; improved visitor management is essential. Fieldwork revealed situations where educational implementations would benefit management; and in-depth interviews provided insight to visitors’ opinions and experiences regarding in-formal education on Con Dao. Ultimately, recommendations for future use of educational tools are presented.