GEOMORPHOLOGICAL IDENTITY AFFECTING TOURISM IN THE GLOBAL GEOPARK, SATUN PROVINCE

Abstract

The research on “Geomorphological Identity Affecting Tourism in the Global Geopark, Satun Province” aimed to study 1) The perception of fossil traces, 2) Geomorphological identity, and 3) The approach to promoting tourism in the geopark. The research method was a mixed method. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires with tourists in Satun Province. The sample group was selected by convenience sampling, consisting of 357 tourists, and statistical analysis was performed using frequency, percentage, and chi-square values. Qualitative data were collected using interviews and focus group discussions, photographic recordings, and data collected from 10 specific key informants. Content analysis and a summary of eight fossil trace sites were used. The research results found that the perception of fossil traces in Satun Geopark was mostly at a moderate level. Tourists from Satun Province and tourists from other provinces had different perceptions of fossil traces at the .05 significance level in terms of the discovery of fossil traces (χ² = 10.438*) and the name of the fossil era (χ² = 9.444*). There was a significant difference at the .01 level in the issue of knowing the place where the fossils were found (χ² = 15.160**). The karst topography of the mountain peak was rugged and contained traces of fossils, including stromatolites, ammonoids, nautiloids, and crinoids. The geomorphology of sandstone and shale was characterized by layers of rocks with traces of fossils, such as posidonomyas, trilobites, graptolites, and nautiloids. The guideline for promoting tourism in Satun Geopark in terms of importance as a learning resource was highest at 74.16 percent.