Localized Effective Tourism Carrying Capacity using Tourist Proxemics and Corrective Factors, the Case of Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora, Philippines

Abstract

Researches are being carried out but few studies incorporate the role of tourist as means by which changed are produced. Similarly, tourist developers and LGUs have often failed to embody the social components into development plan and policies promoting tourist activity. This study focused on the combining these areas in order to create harmonious relationship between tourism and the tourists. In this study the concept of capacity received considerable attention as a result of increasing anthropogenic drivers and pressure in Baler in the last few years. The study aimed to create a refined and simplified process of Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) as first carried out by Boullon (1985) through incorporation of a corrective factors and required area per tourists using local proxemics. Field survey and tourist mapping were conducted in order to determine the required area per tourist and tourists' proxemics, which essentially measures visitor density and crowding tolerance. In the absence of changes, beyond this density, visitor numbers start to decline. The study was able to approximate both perceived and observed tourist proxemics. Corrective factors and local tourist's proxemics are incorporated to the localized and refined Effective Tourism Carrying Capacity formula (ETCC). The result provides basis for both planners and regulators to determine demands and developments and help assess businesses and building permits. The results of the ETCC calculations can, however, be influenced by other corrective factors such as the recreational infrastructure, visitor attitudes, and sociocultural norms. Nonetheless, the results are considered very useful for developers and LGUs to support not only resort management but also planners and decision makers in Baler, and other coastal areas.