Abstract
Tourism development in a marine park may have either positive or negative impacts on the protected natural habitats and its species. Marine Recreation Park (MRP) of Gili Matra, consisting of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan islands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. Tourism development, however, is out of control by local and central governments. Since 1986 to present, most government management plans on tourism development of MRP Gili Indah is lack of implementation. The present study examined tourist satisfaction levels on tourism services and snorkeling and scuba diving experience. Using a systematic random sampling method, 51 respondents at Gili Trawangan (GT) and 46 respondents at Gili Meno and Gili Air (GM + GA) were interviewed using prepared questionnaires. The results show that level of tourist satisfaction between GT and GM + GA is not significantly different. Development of accommodation and restaurant showed highest level of tourist satisfaction. On the other hand, sign-posting, tour operators and shops show lowest tourist satisfaction. In snorkeling and scuba diving experiences, tourist satisfaction is high on water clarity and value for money. Tourist satisfaction, however, is very low on coral health, coral abundance and other marine life abundance. Fish size and abundance provide moderate tourist satisfaction. Rubbish and waste are the main issues of GT and GM + GA, while crowding is a big issue only at GT. Local and central governments should be aware of these results and start putting management plan in place, to ensure sustainable tourism development at the MRP Gli Matra.