Guidelines for Tourism Potential Development of Floating Markets in the Central Region to Enter The ASEAN Economic Community

Abstract

This research article is part of the research paper on Guidelines for Tourism Potential Development of Floating Markets in the Central Region to Enter The ASEAN Economic Community. The objectives of study was to study 1) opinions of tourists 2) Floating market management problems for tourism, and 3) tourism potential development approach of the floating market in the central region to enter the ASEAN Economic Community. The study is a mixed methods research. Questionnaire was used as research tool to collect quantitative data from 405 tourists in the 4 floating markets. The focus group consisted of local people, local leaders and entrepreneurs, 10 people for each group, per area and in-depth interviews to collect qualitative data of tourists from 3 local leader and government officials per area. The findings revealed that the tourism potential and overall problems in all areas are at a high level. The potential development approach should be to develop government officials and establishments to be knowledgeable, as well as, to prepare the signs in Thai and English and to promote tourism in various media. There should also be a network among entrepreneurs, government agencies and private sectors. Research suggestions are to develop the 4 Floating Markets in the aspect the environment and facilities in tourist attractions to meet the standard criteria.