The Development of Program and Creative Tourism Activities of Ban Huai Sap, Leelet, Phunphin District, Suratthani Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to study tourism potential and develop programs and creative tourism activities of Ban Huai Sap, Leelet, Phunphin District, Surat Thani Province. Key informants included community leaders, citizens, tourism center staff and entrepreneurs total 14 people. They were selected by using the purposive sampling methods, an in-depth interview participatory observation and focus group. The results were analyzed by content analysis. The results highlighted tourism potential in five sub-items; 1) Tourist attractions: this included the beautiful nature and natural environment. There are also some man-made attractions such as a bird-watching tower, an area with houses and settlements from ancient domestic culture, as well as the merchandise of many unique domestic products. 2) Hospitality: there are several homestays available. 3) Accessibility: as some parts of the access-road to the community are difficult to pass, the access to this area can be inconvenient but doable for all types of transportation. 4) Facilities: there are restaurants, community shops, souvenir shops, tourist information center, parking space except clean toilets which is not sufficient. 5) Activities: the community offers three types of touristic activities which are nature study, demonstration of knowledge and water activities.  According to the development of programs and creative tourism activities, three innovations of creative tourism activities; sea boxing, canoeing, and mud sledding (Ka Dan Teeb), and five creative tourism programs; four programs of one-day trip and another one program of two-day, one night trip were created.