Tourists' opinion on the potential of geological museum for educational tourism

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study: 1) Tourism resources of three geological museums in Bangkok, namely the Geological Museum of Department of Mineral Resources, the Geological Museum of Chulalongkom University and Dinotopia Museum of Siam Park City; and 2) the opinion of Thai tourists toward the potential of geological museums for educational tourism. Data were obtained from the resource audit, the survey of facilities, and the questionnaires provided for 598 Thai tourists. These data were analyzed in percentage and descriptively analyzed. The strengths of all three museums are, firstly, the interesting exhibitions and objects presented such as fossils and dinosaurs skeletons with the addition of explanatory labels. Secondly, all three museums are easily accessed with public transportation and convenient parking lots. Thirdly, there are restaurants and canteens in the near vicinity with souvenirs distributing and selling during festivals and special events. The weakness of all three museums is that the minimal amenities, especially restrooms. The questionnaires showed that the majority of Thai tourists were 11-20 years old. Their educational background were mostly at high school and bachelor degree level. Their salaries were under 5,000 baht per month. They visited the museum by themselves and knew about the museum from friends. The reason that they visited museum was for educational purpose. The results of potential evaluation by the tourists showed that the Geological Museum of Department of Mineral Resources and the Geological Museum of Chulalongkom University have a high potential in becoming an educational tourist attraction while Dinotopia Museum of Siam Park City has a moderate potential.