Development of Creative Tourism Model in Cultural Attractions in Lower Central Provinces Cluster 1

Abstract

          The Development of Creative Tourism Model in Cultural Attractions in Lower Central Provincial Cluster 1 aims to 1) explore tourism activities in cultural attractions in the lower central provincial cluster 1 2) develop the model of creative tourism activities in cultural attractions in the lower central provincial cluster 1 and 3) experiment and evaluate the model of creative tourism activities in cultural attractions in the lower central provincial cluster 1. The method of study is Research and Development. The samples included 400 Thai visitors who have visited cultural attractions in the lower central provincial cluster 1 and were selected with cluster sampling. The research instruments were questionnaires, evaluation forms to assess the activities and capacity in the cultural attractions, a focus group discussion, and an experiment on implementation of the model of creative tourism activities.  In the experiment, there were 30 participants including general people and visitors who were interested in joining the activities. The data collection period was between October 2022 – March 2023. Data analysis consists of frequency, mean, standard deviation, content analysis, and SWOT analysis. The results are as follows:
          1. Activities in the cultural attractions in the lower central provincial cluster 1 include history learning activities through historical parks; visiting museums and major religious places; shopping for goods in local markets where the activity has developed from lifestyle of the local people; dressing up in local costumes; and taking religious routes to pay respect for Buddha, Chinese gods, and other sacred figures for luck and happiness.
          2. Creative tourism activities in the lower central provincial cluster 1 have been developed in the form of the FELW2CS Model. The model title comes from F: Fun, E: Experience, L: Learning, W: Wisdom, C: Conservation, C: Creativity, and S: Sustainability. The title has been approved for its appropriateness at a high level.
          3. The result of the experiment on implementation of the model of creative tourism activities in the lower central provincial cluster 1 shows that the appropriateness is at the highest level. Moreover, from the evaluation of the improvement of creative tourism activities in the lower central provincial cluster 1, it is found that the FELW2CS Model is applicable to tourism as the activities are creative and comprehensible. The activities give participants direct experience which local people shared with them. If participants join the activities with their family, strong family bonds will be developed, and the activities also welcome group visitors of all kinds.