The Development of Spiritual tourism Routes to Promote Cultural Heritage Conservation in NakhonPathom

Abstract

Spiritual tourism is a form of travel that focuses on the development and enhancement of spiritual and mental well-being, aiming to cultivate stability and strength. This type of tourism is gaining popularity; however, there is still limited research in this area, and no concrete framework for spiritual tourism routes has been established to accommodate tourists in Nakhon Pathom province. This article aimed to 1) study the behavior, needs, and factors in deciding on spiritual tourism in Nakhon Pathom province; 2) analyze the potential of spiritual tourism destinations in Nakhon Pathom province; and 3) create spiritual tourism routes to promote the conservation of cultural heritage in Nakhon Pathom province. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, collecting data through questionnaires with 400 tourists, 35 in-depth interviews, and 30 focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders. Data analysis utilized statistics, including means, percentages, and content analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1) Most tourists were female, interested in activities related to rituals and beliefs. The push factors for travel decisions had a very high mean score of 4.26, while pull factors had a very high mean score of 4.27. 2) The potential of spiritual tourism destinations in Nakhon Pathom province included numerous famous temples, Buddha images, and Buddha amulets as attractions. Activities were diverse based on beliefs and faiths. Access was convenient with amenities and quality accommodations available. 3) Two spiritual tourism routes were created to promote cultural heritage conservation in Nakhon Pathom province: The Mystical Spiritual Tourism Route and the Praying for Blessings Spiritual Tourism Route in Nakhon Pathom province.