Management Of Marine Parks In The Covid-19 Era

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to 1. explore the policies and measures that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation formulated during COVID-19 to stimulate tourism and 2. investigate the public agencies implementing these policies and measures during COVID-19 to revitalize the tourism of Khanom Beach National Park-South Sea Islands in Khanom Subdistrict, Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Findings revealed that Khanom Beach National Park-South Sea Islands utilized preparation and public relations plans to inform tourists about active preventive measures against COVID-19, the tourism promotion plan fostering the new-normal travel to the national park and the safety measures under the COVID-19 situation. Online announcements were also made concerning the tourism of Khanom Beach as relevant measures and policies from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and the Ministry of Health were put into practice. Furthermore, the national park also participated in tourism activation and economic stimulation programs led by the government. The policy implementation reportedly produced practical benefits in all aspects. As a result, the number of tourists increased due to perceived safety contributed by the national park’s monitoring efforts and compliance with essential measures.