Participation in Community-Based Tourism Management of Ethnic Groups in Highland

Abstract

This research is generally aimed to study the participation in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) of ethnic groups in highland with two specific objectives: 1) to discover tourism communities’ potential, CBT routes and factors influencing tourists’ travel behaviors; and 2) to propose CBT development guidelines for ethnic groups in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces. Study areas included Ban Nongtao, Ban Dok Daeng, Ban Khun Om Long, and Ban Chabo-Pasi in Chiang Mai and Ban Pa Pae in Mae Hong Son province. Target population included 50 community leaders and members who volunteered to be local researchers and 120 tourists within CBT communities who voluntarily gave information for researchers. Research instruments and techniques included public hearing, interviews, questionnaires, observations, reflection and brainstorming. Findings revealed that Ban Pa Pae gained the highest potential score whilst Ban Dok Daeng gained the lowest one. The appropriate CBT routes were summarized into four routes that indicated different prominent points. The study on tourists’ behaviors showed push and pull factors that influenced tourists’travel behaviors. Major guidelines for CBT development were the enhancement of community organizations, conducting public relation via internet, homestay development, creation of local products along with tourism development, and building of activities, which tourists can participate, based on different community identities.