THE COMPLETE ENHANCEMENTB CAPABILITY AND OPERATION MANAGEMENT OF TEMPLE FOR SUPPORTING RELIGIOUS TOURISM AND MEDITATION RETREAT FOR SENIORS LIVING ALONE IN THE SECONDARY CITIES IN THE UPPER NORTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) to investigate the potential for religious tourism and meditation retreats and 2) to investigate the potential development and operation management of comprehensive temples to support religious tourism and meditation retreats. It is a mixed research approach. The samples of study were ordinary tourists and elderly tourists, particularly the target group were the elderly experts who provided the crucial information. The research tools consist of questionnaires, depth interview, and discussion forums. The data was collected and analyzed quantitatively by the computer program. The statistics that were used for processing of the research data are: percentage, mean, and standard deviation, whereas content analysis was used to examine qualitative data. The results of the study were found that; 1) The overall mean of the potential for religious tourism and meditation retreats was at a high level. When considering in decreasing order of mean the categories, the following are the results: tourism attraction, tourism attraction management, amenities, elderly service, tourism activities, transportation routes, and access to tourist attractions and accommodation in tourist attractions, respectively. 2) According to the potential development and operation management of comprehensive temples to support religious tourism and meditation retreats found that; it should focus on the development of tourist attractions to have value and importance in terms of faith, old identity, and spiritual value; make a diagram showing tourist attractions and a map showing the pilgrimage route; driving activities to attract tourists that fit the traditions and traditional way of life; establish a service center and provide basic facilities suitable; establish an operation plan and action plan under the context of the temple; develop temple personnel to have good service and communication skills; develop a system of coordination and public relations as well as enhance the value of sustainable religious tourism and meditation retreats for the elderly.