Development guidelines for sustainable Tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study tourism resources of Nakhon Ratchasima Province 2) conduct the internal and external SWOT analysis for the development of sustainable tourism of Nakhon Ratchasima Province 3) guideline for developing integrated sustainable tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. In this study, the researcher used Qualitative Research together with Field Research by Community Study tools, Tourism Resources Audit, and In-depth Interview. The sample population totals 25, who come from government, private sectors and population in the tourism area.

According to the research findings, it was found that 1) the first outstanding tourism natural resources of Nakhon Ratchasima Province is Khao-Yai National Park, cultural tourism resources is Phimai Historical Park, the resources of festivals, art, and cultures of tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province are football and volleyball match, tourism activity resources is Agro - tourism and the tourism resources in service sectors are hotels and resorts 2) In Terms of SWOT Analysis for developing integrated sustainable tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, it was found that the strength for developing tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima is the location which is not far away from Bangkok and variety of tourism resources such as Natural, Historical, and Cultural Tourism. Meanwhile, the opinion over the weakness for developing tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province is The lack of good marketing strategy especially attraction promotional plan. The opportunity in developing tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province is that the province is hub of mega logistic projects. The threats in developing tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province is insufficiency in budget allocation for supporting tourism from government 3) the research would like to propose the guidelines for developing integrated sustainable tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, suggesting the participation of the four stakeholders: public and private sector, community and tourist as well as the integration of the environmental, economic, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of the sustainable development of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Keyword: Guidelines for developing tourism, integrated sustainable tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima Province