Cultural Tourism Development for Community Needs: A Case Study of Lower U-Tapao River Basin in Songkhla

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to study cultural tourism development for community needs in three cultural destinations at lower U-Tapao river basin in Songkhla, consisting of Klonghae floating market, Wat Khu Tao, and Wat Na Rang Nok. The quantitative approach is conducted by using questionnaire. Quota sampling and accidental sampling techniques are used to collect data of 60 respondents per cultural tourism destination. The sample groups consist of 180 persons from representatives of governmental agencies, entrepreneurs, and local people. The data analysis methods consist of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results found that cultural tourism development for community needs at lower U-Tapao river basin are at high level for tourism destination management with the highest mean score, followed by activities and processes, tourism values, and community participation, respectively. To consider each cultural tourism destination of Lower U-Tapao River Basin, it found that different tourism destinations have different needs to develop into cultural sites. The results are basic information that government officers or policy makers should allocate budget on cultural tourism development based on the local needs.