Local Communities� Perception of and Behavior towards Tourism Development: A Case Study of Bunaken National Park

Abstract

The number of tourist visits to Bunaken National Park has recently increased, and has subsequently become uncontrollable. This phenomenon has potential benefits and drawbacks according to environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. This study aimed to explore the opinion and behavior of local communities regarding tourism growth in their area. To examine this phenomenon, the research study applied a mixed-method approach or combined quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Qualitative data was collected by observing the locals behavior in Bunaken National Park, and the quantitative data was collected via questionnaires that looked at the perceptions towards tourism development. Doxeys Irritation Index was used as the primary measurement instrument when looking at the interactions among local communities and tourists. The study finds that the local community is likely to give a positive response to the tourism growth in their area and that according to Doxeys theory, they are in the Euphoria stage.