Study of Logistics Supporting the Archaeological Heritage Tourism and Culture to Drive the Economy of the Upper Mun River Basin community

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze the transportation logistics supporting the tourism, and to propose guidelines for the transportation logistics development supporting the heritage and cultural tourism in order to boost the Upper Mun River Basin community economy.  A mixed-method research approach was employed, comprising of the quantitative research approach with a sample of 722 Thai tourists, who had previously visited the archaeological and cultural heritage sites.  For the qualitative research approach, fifteen stakeholders engaged in the tourism areas were involved in the focus group. The key informants were the government officials, the media representatives, the private sector representatives, and the local community members from six areas: Ban Takroh, Ban Muang Phet, Ban Hua Saphan, Ban Prang, Ban Sai Or, and Orapin Community.  The findings of the transportation logistics supporting the archaeological and cultural heritage tourism revealed that the respondents who were tourists prioritized the need for clear maps displaying the locations of tourist attractions, with the highest mean score of 4.42.  Moreover, the respondents who were the stakeholders suggested the development guidelines through the data synthesis and the focus group discussions. These guidelines were included with the creation of two major tourist routes: Route1: Two-Stone Tour, which lasted one day and visited ten sites in the Hin Dat and Hin Khon communities; and Route 2: Two-Stone and Four-Castle Tour, which lasted two days and visited sixteen sites.  Furthermore, in order to significantly boost the local economy in the settlements of the upper Mun River Basin, it was suggested that these routes be established immediately—within six months. The purpose of the suggested rules was to guarantee community development's durability and continuity.