sustainability
principle.
In this study, a sequential mixed social research method, first
quantitative (questionnaire surveys) and then qualitative (in-depth
interviews), was used to document the residents’ perceptions of
dive tourism development and its impacts, and their recommendations
for the long-term management of dive tourism. A total of
306 questionnaires (18% of total population), along with information
and instructions on completing it, were randomly distributed
from November 2010 to February 2011. Every 6th premises were
sampled. Each of the samples was identified in a clockwise direction,
starting from north to south following the major and minor
roads. Questionnaires were given to selected samples regardless of
the type of premises [most residents live in their place of business].
A random starting point in this case was in Sairee village, followed
by Mae Haad, and ended in Chalok Baan Kao. The questionnaires
were distributed by the researcher alone. This can be considered an
advantage because any questions arising in the study site would be
clarified by only one researcher whowas fully aware of the research
objectives and research processes. Questions were developed as
descriptive, attitudinal and behavioral, using a mixed-style of both
closed and open-ended in order to reduce disadvantages of a
question form and meet the purpose and practical limitations of the
research project. The on-site self-administered questionnaire
comprised a total of 48 questions covering demographic information
about the respondents; their involvement in the dive tourism
industry; their perceptions of dive tourism impacts and their suggestions
for improvement toward dive tourism sustainability. At
the end of the study period, 236 out of 306 questionnaires (77%
response rate) were completed and returned to the researcher.