Strategies and Guidelines for Potential Development of Community Based Tourism, Hua Pa Sub district, Phrom Buri District, Sing Buri Province

Abstract

          The purposes of this study were to examine strategies and guidelines for developing the tourism potential of the community in Hua Pa Sub District, Phrom Buri District, Sing Buri Province. The tools used to collect data included surveys, observation, in-depth interviews and focus groups. The quality of the research tools was assessed by 5 experts to check content validity and to conduct an analysis of the situation environment (SWOT Analysis) of community tourist attractions. SWOT analysis tool was used to analyze tourism environments, and TOWS matrix tool was used to exhibit strategies and guidelines for potential development of community-based tourism. Thirty-three key informants were chosen by purposive sampling method consisting of (1) a group of community leaders, (2) representatives from government organizations and local administrative organizations, and (3) representatives from the public sector involving tourism development. The accuracy of data was validated by data triangulation. The results indicated 4 strategies to support community-based tourism management operational potential. Strategy 1: Upgrading the communication and public relations for community tourism, involving 1) communication and public relations for tourism; 2) developing learning centers towards agricultural or educational tourism; 3) promoting tourism linked to famous tourist attractions such as Wat Phikun Thong, Wat Amphawan, Bang Rachan Camp; and 4) promoting ecotourism. Strategy 2: Developing and improving the landscape of community-based tourist attractions, consisting of 1) improving the landscape of tourist attractions; 2) dam development on riverbank to block water from the Chao Phraya River; and 3) establishing an emergency plan to prevent and deal with natural disasters. Strategy 3: Enhancing personnel competency in community-based tourism management, comprising 1) promoting the use of alternative technology to substitute reliance on labor; 2) developing skills in managing community-based tourism; and 3) training and organizing a forum to exchange knowledge. And Strategy 4: Creating a network of cooperation between the community and external agencies, consisting of 1) establishing a network of cooperation and assign a network coordinator; and 2) creating a network of cooperation to increase public relations channels that help decrease communication gap.

          The results of this study can be used as a guideline for tourism management that is consistent and appropriate with the context of the community.