The Creation of Public Relations Materials to Promote Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study of Wanyai, Mukdahan

Abstract

Thailand’s tourism industry is growing in importance, bringing economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits. Wan Yai is a small district in Mukdahan province ‘s northwestern corner. It is one of the primary locations designated as Special Economic Development Zones (SEZs). This study aimed to 1) analysis tourism management problems and 2) create a tourism brochure to promote the industry. This study followed a qualitative method. Data was gathered and small focus group was held. The respondents were divided into two groups:  Local leaders such as the district chief, community developers, and the village headman and public groups such as accommodation entrepreneurs, restaurants, and community enterprises, and local residents. The findings revealed that Wanyai district is a tiny district, with a number of tourist attractions, including eco-tourism attraction (Kang Ka-Bao), religious tourism (Wat Song Kon), and historical attraction (Nouhak Phousavanh’s memorial place), etc. Nevertheless, the area still faces significant problems with sustainable tourism because it is located in the center of Mueang Mukdahan district and That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom province, both of which are well-known tourist destinations. Meanwhile, tourists are unfamiliar with this district, and there are only a few visitors. As a result of these issues, the focus of this study was creating public relations materials such as tourist routes and brochures to promote sustainable tourism in these locations.