The Potential of Sustainable Integrated Creative Tourism Development In the Bang Mae Mai Community, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) examine the tourism resources in the Bang Mae Mai community, Suphanburi Province 2) analyze the internal and external environment of sustainable tourism development and 3) study the potential of sustainable integrated creative tourism development of Bang Mae Mai community. This study was a qualitative research, and the instrument used in the research included a community study form, tourism resource inspection form, In-depth interview, participatory observation and subgroup meeting. There were 32 informants from the government sector, private sector, general public, and Thai tourists. The researcher analyzed the data and prioritized group content by analyzing, classifying and summarizing key points. The results indicated that natural resource was Tha Chin River and cultural resources were Wat An and Thai style house. Special event resources were Mae Phosop tradition of rice blessing. Activity resources included riding traditional ‘E-Tan’ vehicle to view groups of 100 sugar palm trees. Service resources were community utility systems such as electricity, water supply. Regarding the analysis of the internal and external environment of the Bang Mae Mai community, the strength was the convenient location with easy access of Bang Mae Mai community; whereas the weaknesses were the lack of strategic planning, marketing plans, conservation plans and personnel for development. The subgroup meeting agreed that there was an opportunity in tourism development in alignment with global trends in nature, environment, culture, agriculture and cultinary tourism. However, there were some obstacles about the destinations and surrounding competitors in tourism development as well as natural disasters such as floods, water and air pollution. The potential of tourism resources was diverse with outstanding natural resources.