The Development of Information System for Tourism Promotion by Community Participation in Bandon Bay, SuratThani

Abstract

            The purpose of this research was: 1) To study and collect tourist attractions in the Bandon Bay, SuratThani province 2) To study patterns and guidelines in designing and developing a tourism information system which is suitable for Bandon Bay; and 3) To develop an information system that is consistent with the context of community tourism management for promotion of tourism in Bandon Bay, SuratThani. This research used qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research was used for studying the document, interview using questionnaire, focus group and participatory action. Quantitative research was used to evaluate the index of item objective congruence (IOC) with information systems specialist and satisfaction questionnaire for information system users. The study areas were in Thachana district, Chaiya district, Thachang district, Phunphin district, Mueang district, Kanchanadit district and Donsak district.

            The results of this research were as follows: Bandon Bay is an area of outstanding tourism resources, including natural attractions, tourist attractions, communities, historic sites, antiquities etc. Most communities in Bandon Bay had set up tour groups to provide community tourism services and jointly screens the attractions within their own community, including marine tourism, geological tourism, ecotourism and agricultural tourism. The analysed data was used to design and develop the Information System. The system was developed by Adobe Photoshop and PHP language. The content is divided into two parts: Part 1 (for tourists) include content about Bandon bay in all seven districts, tourism information, accommodation, restaurants, travel programs and a section for providing basic information for decision support while part 2 (for administrators) includes album management, district information, attractions, accommodation, restaurants, tour programs and tour groups. The dissemination of information systems for promotion the tourism in Bandon Bay of Suratthani is via URL: travel.sru.ac.th.