Creative Tourism Development of Monkey-Based Attractions in Local Identity of Lop Buri City

Abstract

          This research aimed to: 1) study the potential of monkey resource tourism; 2) examine tourism impacts resulting from human-monkey interactions; 3) develop creative tourism models centered on monkey resources and 4) propose guidelines for creative tourism development involving monkey resources that highlight the unique local identity of Lop Buri. The study employed a mixed-method approach using the creative tourism concepts as a research framework. The four sample groups included 60 government officials, 40 private sector representatives,  60 local community members in the tourism area, and 400 Thai tourists. They were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Research instruments included tourism potential assessment forms, interviews, focus groups, and tourist questionnaires.

The findings revealed that there are 12 monkey-based tourist sites, and most of them showed good potential. However, efforts should be made to educate and inform tourists about appropriate behavior in these areas to reduce human-monkey conflicts. The negative impacts of human-monkey interactions were the effects on economic, social, and environmental due to overlapping territories between humans and monkeys. Tourists’ feedback indicated the need for clear monkey feeding zones and staff presence for information and safety supervision. The four creative tourism routes were developed, focusing on learning about monkey behavior and lifestyle, exploring Lop Buri's history and legends, and participating in community-based tourism activities. The guidelines for developing creative tourism based on monkey resources, included the establishment of a tourism network, the creation of tourism activities that reflect the area's contextual identity, and the enhancement of communication and education regarding monkey lifestyles and behavior. This aims to promote awareness of human-monkey coexistence.