GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEER TOURISM MANAGEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION FOR THAI YOUTH

Abstract

          This study aimed to study tourism behavior and volunteer tourism management for environmental conservation by Thai youths, and to create guidelines for volunteer tourism management for environmental conservation of Thai youth. There were 3 phases in the research methodology. The first phase was the study of behavior and opinions on volunteer tourism management. The quantitative samples were 402 students who participated in volunteer tourism. The data analysis was conducted using the analysis of frequency, percentage, and mean. The qualitative samples were experts and eminent people from the public, the private sector, and youth groups involved in environmental conservation tourism management with 12 people. The data analysis was conducted using content analysis. The second phase was the drafting of the Volunteer Tourism Management Guidelines, and the third phase was the confirmation of the Volunteer Tourism Management Guidelines from the public and the private sector involved in environmental tourism, a total of 5 people, using content analysis.

          The results revealed that they participated in volunteer activities 2 or 3 times from February to May. The activities were for 3 days and 2 nights. They traveled with a group of friends, paid an activity admission fee and future admission fees would not be higher than 1,000 Baht. They received information from social media and their opinions about tourism management were at a high level in all dimensions. The guidelines for volunteer tourism management among Thai youth and environmental conservation were as follows: activities should be designed with diversity to meet local requirements and tourists. In terms of time and period of tourism management, trips should be organized with an appropriate schedule for youth, selecting the most prominent tourist attractions with a variety of natural resources, and accommodations in the tourist attraction areas. The accommodation should be easy to access, convenient, safe during the day and night offer basic facilities especially the phone signal and electricity for tourists.