Guidelines for the development and promotion of creative tourism in Sisaket Province.

Abstract

The research titled “Guidelines for the Development and Promotion of Creative Tourism in Sisaket Province” aims to explore strategies for developing and promoting creative tourism in Sisaket, in order to propose necessary strategies and projects for success. This study is qualitative research, conducted through in-depth interviews with 18 experts related to or knowledgeable about the development and promotion of creative tourism in Sisaket Province from four sectors: government, private tourism industry operators, community, and academia. The research tool was a semi-structured questions used for face-to-face, telephone, and LINE interviews according to the informants’ preferences, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings reveal that Sisaket has potential due to its cultural and historical capital and natural beauty. Its strengths lie in its unique Thai-Khmer mixed culture and long historical background. However, all components of tourism need development, including improvements in infrastructure and facilities, which are currently inadequate. It is also necessary to enhance the knowledge and awareness of Sisaket residents about the province’s culture and history, and to develop their skills to be good hosts as cultural ambassadors of Sisaket. Importantly, digital technology should be utilized for transactions and communication to promote tourism. Success depends on building networks for integrated collaboration among all parties, developing based on sustainability philosophy, and adhering to community-based tourism development principles to ensure that tourism benefits are fairly distributed to local communities.