| The growth of tourism in Thailand has resulted in an increased use of Thailand's National Marine Parks. In conjunction with National Marine Park Policy that promotes environmental conservation, sustainable management and education, which are all components of ecotourism, this study investigates rock climbing within the Hat Nopparat Thara-Mu Kho Phi Phi National Marine Park found on the Phra Nang Peninsula in Krabi Province, Thailand. This research focuses on two user groups (1) rock climbing operators and (2) visiting climbers. Climbing guides perform well in their instrumental and social roles to provide a safe experience for visitors. They do not perform well in their interactionary, communicative, motivator, or environmental interpreter roles necessary to promote messages of ecotourism to visitors, who would like an ecotourism experience that is not being provided. The purpose of this research is to investigate the climbing experience and to put it in perspective of an ecotourism viewpoint. |
