Activities Model and Creative Tourism Routes Development of Bang Tabun and Banlaem Community, Banlaem District Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the situation and operations of the Bang Tabun and Banlaem Community towards creative tourism 2) develop a model of creative tourism activities and routes 3) evaluate the activities of creative tourism routes. The mixed research methodology was used. Data were collected from community’s leader and philosophers, tourist guide and community member using questionnaire, in-depth interview and evaluate form as a research tool. Sample groups were chosen by purposive selection and snowball technique. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were applied for quantitative data where content analysis was used for qualitative one. It was found that most of the sampler were female over 40 years old and the highest education was at the secondary school level. Most of them were employees. The important factors affecting tourists’ decision were tourist attractions, fresh seafood, cleanliness, nature, way of life and culture, unique activities, good facilities, continued public relation, and planning meetings with community and local leaders. The two tourism routes were developed, the first one is the Burada Whale Watching Cruise Route - Watching the way of life of Bang Tabun community (Home-temple-School On tour) - Tasting local food, and the second route is the riverside offering alms-giving route-boat cruise activities-visit temples in the community-activities from local natural materials. The activities evaluation by tourism aspects revealed that the attraction aspect, each community has unique tourism resources such as a learning center for mangrove ecosystems. However, the learning centers and schools should be separated to avoid disturbing. Tourism activities, the overall satisfaction was at the highest level of (mean value = 4.65). Facilities of tourist attractions are fully equipped. The accessibility of tourist attractions was diverse. Accommodation of tourist attractions has a wide variety of prices and services. The tourism management should focus on public relations and marketing continuity, using a variety of public relations media should be implemented.