Social Carrying Capacity in Island Destinations: Interpreting Visitors’ Opinions in Madeira Island

Resumo

Social carrying capacity is an additional dimension of tourism carrying capacity. This paper aims to provide further understanding beyond physical values describing carrying capacity for a touristic site on an island destination, namely, the Laurisilva of Madeira. This UNESCO site is the major tourist attraction on the island. The component of social carrying capacity was added to assess satisfaction levels registered in 481 completed questionnaires and find relevant factors reflecting social values and enjoyment while visiting the site. Nonparametric tests were performed to study the relationship between sociodemographic variables and satisfaction measurements. Statistically, cleanliness and natural conditions, trail amenities, trail conditions, environmental conditions, and pollution levels were the five dimensions relevant to gauging satisfaction related to visiting the natural heritage site. Social carrying capacity showed an average satisfaction of 71%, but mean scores concluded visitors to be only slightly satisfied and differences in satisfaction levels regarding the education level of respondents. These are essential dimensions for good site management and for planning management actions for the island destination. This method of analysis is feasible for site management and is complementary to the corresponding physical thresholds.