Potential Development of Creative Community-Based Tourist Attractions for Sustainability: A Case Study of Ban Kohkerd Chao Phraya Riverside Community, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the potential of creative community-based tourist attractions in Ban Kohkerd, a Chao Phraya riverside community, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province and 2) to provide guidelines for the potential development of community-based tourist attractions for future sustainability. This research was conducted under a qualitative approach, applying participant observation and semi-structured interviews as the research instruments. The sample consisted of 35 people from the three groups related to community-based tourism: government officers, community leaders, and community residents, including Thai tourists.

The results revealed that the outstanding potential of Ban Kohkerd Community included its location (on the Chao Phraya riverside), a variety of learning bases about creative tourism activities, riverside homestays that attract tourists, and the effective local tourism management committee. Regarding guidelines for the creative development of community-based tourist attractions for sustainability, five aspects were recommended: 1) development plans for physical component management, 2) plans for tourism personnel development, 3) plans for creative tourism development and support, 4) development plans for marketing communication in tourism, and 5) development plans for cooperation in all sectors involved in promoting and supporting community tourism.