Development of Integrated Tourism Platform of Chanthaburi Provinc

Abstract

This research, entitled The Development of an Integrated Tourism Platform for Chanthaburi Province, aimed to: 1) examine the foundations and potential of integrated tourism in Chanthaburi Province; 2) develop tourism activities aligned with the local context and enhance community participation; and 3) develop an integrated tourism platform capable of efficiently linking data and stakeholders within the tourism system. This study employed a mixed methods research approach. Quantitative data were 
collected from a sample of 400 respondents using questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with five groups of key informants, namely policymakers, practitioners, local residents, tourism scholars, and Buddhist studies 
scholars. In addition, a focus group discussion with experts was conducted to enhance the reliability and completeness of the data.
The findings revealed that:
1. Chanthaburi Province possesses diverse and distinctive tourism potential, encompassing cultural routes, gem and fashion routes, ecotourism routes, as well as food, fruit, and herbal tourism routes. These reflect the province’s unique local identity and can be further developed to generate sustainable economic, social, and cultural value. 
2. The development of tourism activities emphasizing community participation contributed to strengthening social capital, fostering a sense of ownership, and promoting collaborative management among local people. This, in turn, led to increased income, the preservation of local wisdom and culture, and the balanced and sustainable 
development of the local community. 
3. With regard to platform development, the study found that the integrated tourism platform developed through this research functions as a central information system or data hub capable of collecting, managing, and linking tourism information in a comprehensive manner. It facilitates convenience for tourists and serves as a crucial mechanism for connecting entrepreneurs, government agencies, and communities through an integrated network. Its key characteristics include ease of access, practical usability, and the ability to respond effectively to the behavior of tourists in the digital era.