Approaches to Safe Tourism Management for Tourists in Tumbon Koh Yo, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla, Thailand

Abstract

This article aimed to (1) study factors affecting safety tourism perceptions of tourists in Tumbon Koh Yo, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla, Thailand; and (2) design a safe tourism model for tourists in Tumbon Koh Yo. The samples of this qualitative research were 309 tourists who were traveling in Tumbon Koh Yo. They were selected by accidental sampling. The instrument for collecting data was the questionnaire to survey the tourists’ opinions on the factors affecting safety tourism perceptions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the structural model.

The research results were found as follows: The safe tourism model for tourists in Tumbon Koh Yo, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla, Thailand requires an emphasis on general facilities of which practicality is based on the universal design concept which includes the arrangement of parking spaces for the disabled, noticeable signboards that can be seen clearly day and night, and doors which are wide enough to allow wheelchair access. In response to the preventive measures for COVID-19, hand sanitizer gel or alcohol should be placed at various service areas, and users of buildings should be kept informed regularly about COVID-19 prevention guidelines. In terms of fire prevention, firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire hose cabinets, fire sprinklers or nozzles, emergency signal lights, and fire alarms should be made available; and a fire escape and an assembly point should also be provided. In this regard, the arrangements will add value to tourism, and promote the sustainability of safe tourism in Tumbon Koh Yo, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla, Thailand.