Local Resources Management by Tourism Innovation for Sustainability of Community Based Tourism

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to 1) study the potential of local resources in tourism management, 2) study innovative approaches for developing suitable tourism destinations within the community context, and  3) apply innovative tourism development strategies to promote community based sustainable tourism. The research is a mixed method research combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The tools used for the research include assessments, recordings of focus group, surveys, and semi structured interviews to collect in-depth data. The target group consists of 19 community members who participate in the community-based tourism group in Ban Huai Pong. The selection criteria include leadership abilities within the community and previous experience in community-based tourism group. The data collected through assessments are analyzed using descriptive statistics, while data from surveys, interviews, and sub-group meetings be analyzed using content analysis.

The results presented that resources in Ban Huai Pong community that had development potential to accommodate tourists include 1) two routes of natural trail in the community forest, such as; trekking trails along the river, including the heel of the forest trail along the river, which has the highest potential to create careers and income for the community ( = 4.30), as the hiking trails along the ridge have the highest potential in terms of identity, uniqueness and specific tourism value ( = 4.50) also it is a recreational area in the local community. ( = 4.30), and 2) Huai Pong Community's campsite has the highest potential in terms of uniqueness and specific tourism value ( = 4.50). The results of the study on innovative approaches for developing suitable tourism destinations within the community context and the application of these innovations in developing community-based tourism activities in Ban Huai Pong are as follows; 1) tourism activities on natural trails, which has two routes such as hiking trails along the river and hiking trails along the ridge. Tourism activities are mostly presented together with the use of QR Code for tourists to scan and get clear information in an accurate and reliable database 2) the miracle festival of fungus 3) The activity of pitching tent on the campsite for tourists.