Marine recreational activity impact on Kengting National Park, Taiwan

This study applies an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate 3 indices (real circumstances, economic development, and socioculture) and 18 factors relating to the impact of marine recreational activities on Kengting National Park, Taiwan. The 22 experts (civil servants, scholars, and local practitioners) who participated in this study expressed identical opinions on the index priorities (real circumstances is ranked first, followed by economic development and socioculture), but the ordering of factors differs because of participants’ various roles and perspectives. Consequently, it is necessary of establishing an objective recreational impact index and developing a long-term monitoring program. Because the impact of marine recreational activities is a complex issue, future research should acquire a broader range of research participants and analyze the relationships among additional impact factors to obtain results that are more comprehensive and representative, and to ensure that the development of conservation and recreation is sustainable.   Key words: Recreational impact, sustainable tourism indicator, analytical hierarchy process.