SECURING THE DESTINATION: EVALUATING TOURIST PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN CHONBURI PROVINCE, THAILAND
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/acsr.2026.4Keywords:
Tourism Security Governance, Tourist Safety Perceptions, Collaborative Risk Management, Destination Competitiveness, Visitor Satisfaction AnalysisAbstract
This study empirically evaluates tourists’ perceptions of security management across Chonburi Province, Thailand, a premier international coastal destination, to determine how these viewpoints directly influence sustainable tourism development. As global travel destinations increasingly face diverse crime and safety challenges, understanding visitor confidence remains undeniably critical for effective destination governance. Using a quantitative research design, the study systematically administered structured questionnaires to 1,500 participants, including 1,250 domestic and 250 international tourists. The research comprehensively assessed satisfaction across four pivotal dimensions: tourist attractions, transportation infrastructure, service establishments, and active security personnel. The empirical findings show generally positive security perceptions among all respondents, although international tourists reported slightly higher satisfaction with staff preparedness and visible safety measures. Furthermore, the analyzed data suggest that destination familiarity and risk tolerance significantly shape how different visitor demographics interpret local safety protocols. Ultimately, this research concludes that sustaining destination competitiveness requires adaptive and collaborative governance. By improving strategic communication, strengthening stakeholder coordination, and implementing proactive risk mitigation, policymakers can reinforce tourist confidence and support resilient growth.
Downloads
References
Bangkok Post. (2024). Pattaya welcomes 12m-plus visitors. Retrieved from www.bangkokpost.com/learning/really-easy/2849718/pattaya-welcomes-12m-plus-visitors.
Batra, A. (2008). Foreign Tourists' Perception Towards Personal Safety and Potential Crime While Visiting Bangkok. Anatolia, 19(1), 89-101.
Becken, S., & Hughey, K. (2013). Linking tourism into emergency management structures to enhance disaster risk reduction. Tourism Management, 36, 77-85.
Bird, D., & Gísladóttir, G. (2020). Enhancing tourists’ safety in volcanic areas: An investigation of risk communication initiatives in Iceland. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 50, 101896.
Dwyer, L., Edwards, D., Mistilis, N., Roman, C., & Scott, N. (2009). Destination and enterprise management for a tourism future. Tourism Management, 30(1), 63-74.
Government Public Relations Department. (2024). Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign tourists in 2023. Retrieved from www.thailand.go.th/issue-focus-detail/thailand-welcomed-over-28-million-foreign-tourists-in-2023.
Hua, N., Li, B., & Zhang, T. (2020). Crime research in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 32(3), 1299-1323.
Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2003). Tourist roles, perceived risk and international tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 30(3), 606-624.
Mawby, R. (2016). Policing policies in cities dependent on tourism: Developing an evidence-based approach. International Journal of Police Science & Management, 18(3), 195-205.
Mawby, R., Boakye, K., & Jones, C. (2015). Policing tourism: the emergence of specialist units. Policing and Society, 25(4), 378-392.
Mawby, R., Tecău, A., Constantin, C., Chițu, I., & Tescașiu, B. (2016). Addressing the security concerns of locals and visitors for the sustainable development of tourist destinations. Sustainability, 8(6), 524.
Moura, F., Gnoth, J., & Deans, K. (2015). Localizing cultural values on tourism destination websites: The effects on users’ willingness to travel and destination image. Journal of Travel Research, 54(4), 528-542.
Popescu, L. (2011). Security and security in tourism: Case study Romania. Forum Geografic, 10(2), 322-328.
Prasitvipat, R., & Nuangjamnong, C. (2024). A Study of Unveiling the Effect of Perceived Quality, Safety, and Destination Image on Visitor Satisfaction and Return Intentions, Thailand. A paper presented at the Au Hybrid International Conference, Assumption University, Thailand.
Prideaux, B., & Master, H. (2001). Reducing risk factors for international visitors in destinations. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 6(2), 24-32.
Ritchie, B. (2008). Tourism Disaster Planning and Management: From Response and Recovery to Reduction and Readiness. Current Issues in Tourism, 11(4), 315-348.
Rittichainuwat, B., & Chakraborty, G. (2012). Perceptions of importance and what safety is enough. Journal of Business Research, 65(1), 42-50.
Santad, P., & Ratchadapunnathikul, C. (2019). Public Confidence in Security Management in Pattaya City, Thailand. International Journal of Crime, Law and Social Issues, 6(2), 35-45.
Saunders, R., Weiler, B., Scherrer, P., & Zeppel, H. (2019). Best practice principles for communicating safety messages in national parks. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 25, 132-142.
Seabra, C., Dolnicar, S., Abrantes, J., & Kastenholz, E. (2013). Heterogeneity in risk and safety perceptions of international tourists. Tourism Management, 36, 502-510.
Sriwapee, K., Kenaphoom, S., Ruangchai, N., Insumran, Y., Pawala, T., Jumroenpat, P., & Kaewlamai, S. (2025). Thailand as a World Top Tourism Destination: Balancing Growth with Environmental and Cultural Preservation. International Journal of Multidisciplinary in Management and Tourism, 9(1), 113-136.
Tasci, A., & Boylu, Y. (2010). Cultural comparison of tourists’ safety perception in relation to trip satisfaction. International Journal of Tourism Research, 12(2), 179-192.
Timothy, D. (1999). Participatory planning: A View of Tourism in Indonesia. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), 371-391.
Tölkes, C. (2018). Sustainability communication in tourism - A literature review. Tourism Management Perspectives, 27, 10-21.
Williams, A., & Baláž, V. (2013). Tourism, risk tolerance and competences: Travel organization and tourism hazards. Tourism Management, 35, 209-221.
Woosnam, K., Shafer, C., Scott, D., & Timothy, D. (2015). Tourists' perceived safety through emotional solidarity with residents in two Mexico-United States border regions. Tourism Management, 46, 263-273.
Yasami, M., Wongwattanakit, C., & Promphitak, K. (2020). International tourists’ protection intentions to use food hygiene cues in the choice of destination local restaurants. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 29(2), 583-596.
Zhang, X., & Tang, J. (2021). A Study of Emotional Solidarity in the Homestay Industry between Hosts and Tourists in the Post-Pandemic Era. Sustainability, 13(13), 7458.
Zou, Y., & Meng, F. (2020). Chinese tourists’ sense of safety: perceptions of expected and experienced destination safety. Current Issues in Tourism, 23(15), 1886-1899.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Patchara SANTAD, Chet RATCHADAPUNNATHIKUL
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
.png)
