Guidelines for the Development of Tourism Activities in Elephant Community, Ban Khai Sub-District, Muang District, Chaiyaphum Province to Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

            The studying of “Guidelines for the development of tourism activities in elephant community, Ban Khai sub-district, Muang district, Chaiyaphum province to sustainable tourism” aimed to study the area context in ​​elephant community tourism, to analysis the factors that affect to tourism activities demand for Thai tourists in elephant community, and to present guidelines for the development of tourism activities in elephant community to sustainable tourism. This research was carried out by using mixed research methods. The quantitative research which using questionnaires to study tourism activity demand used 385 tourists for sample. Moreover, qualitative research with community leaders and stakeholder interviews used 25 people for sample. The study found that most 211 Thai tourists that was 54.81 percentage wanted to have local cultural heritage activities from community participation. Furthermore, the tourists prefered to have a travel experience that can learn the local people life. The results of analysis the most factors affected to tourism activities demand for Thai tourists in elephant community, Ban Khai sub-district, Muang district, Chaiyaphum province were entertainment activity experience factor ( =  2.93, S.D.= 0.84) and conditional value factor ( =  2.86, S.D.= 0.83). The community has the potential in which the area is very suitable for tourism. There is a tradition in wisdom and way of life, and the community is also supported by both government agencies and the private sector. In promoting and pushing the community to become a tourism destination in the Northeast. In addition, the study of tourism activities demand for Thai tourists in elephant community was consistent with community leaders and stakeholder demand. Therefore, there are 3 guidelines for the development of tourism activities in elephant community to sustainable tourism. Firstly, using resource sustainable. Secondly, maintain and promote diversity of nature, society and culture. Thirdly, bringing tourism to supporting local economy.