MODEL OF BUDDHIST TOURISM MANAGEMENT BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF WAT PA UDOMSOMPORN, SAKON NAKHON

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to 1) study the behavior of tourists traveling to Wat Pa Udomsomporn 2) study the tourism management model at Wat Pa Udomsomporn 3) propose a Buddhist tourism management model based on the setting of Wat Pa Udomsomporn. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and non-participant observations. Sampling selection consists of 36 individuals that can be classified into 3 groups: tourists, tourism service providers such as local hotel and restaurant owners, and lastly, representatives from Wat Pa in Sakon Nakhon. The findings demonstrate that tourists visiting Wat Pa Udomsomporn prefer personal vehicles and tour buses as their modes of transportation; they tend to visit the temple on Buddhism commemoration days and Luang Pu Fan Ajaro’s remembrance day, and share similar key characteristics: a strong belief in the three gems of Buddhism, otherwise known as Triratna, and faith in Luang Pu Fan Ajaro. The tourism management at Wat Pa Udomsomporn was noticeably simplistic and straightforward. Visiting the Luang Pu Fan Ajaro’s museum to study his history and monk’s regulations such as simply and detached living is a major attraction. This will be adapted in life to live peacefully and sustainably. Upon careful analysis of data, the authors have proposed the Three Steps of Buddhist Tourism Management Model, consisting of (a) basic step, for general tourists who seek opportunities to pray for good fortune and make merits by visiting the temple (b) middle step, for tourists who are more serious about learning and practicing Dhamma (c) final “peaceful” step, for experienced tourists who have a general understanding of Dhamma, and seek to follow the path towards enlightenment. Each step consists of Sappaya 7 in different levels tailored to each group of tourists.