Development Approaches for Low-Carbon Tourism Under The "Beautiful Canals, Clear Water" Concept: A Case Study of Khlong Chinda, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) explore the development approaches for low-carbon tourism in Khlong Chinda, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province, and 2) examine the level of tourist satisfaction with the implementation of low-carbon tourism policies in the Khlong Chinda community, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, using the concept of low-carbon tourism as the research framework. Data collection tools included in-depth interviews for qualitative research, with a snowball sampling method. The key informants consisted of 20 community leaders in the Khlong Chinda area, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Additionally, a questionnaire was used for quantitative research, with a sample of 500 Thai tourists selected through accidental sampling. The statistical methods used for analysis included calculating mean, frequency, and percentage, along with content analysis, which is presented in a descriptive format. The research results were found as follows: 1) The development of low-carbon tourism under the concept of "Beautiful Canals, Clear Water" in the case of Khlong Chinda, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province, revealed that the community's readiness for developing a net carbon-neutral tourism business covered all seven aspects of sustainable tourism development. This led to the formulation of development approaches, including: 1) Sustainable management, 2) Collaboration with sustainable tourism partners, 3) Marketing promotion to support sustainability, 4) Economic management and equitable distribution of benefits to society and the local community, 5) Conservation and promotion of cultural heritage at tourist sites, 6) Natural resource management and sustainable environmental conservation, and 7) Service and safety in tourism destinations. 2) The findings on tourist satisfaction with establishments (individual aspects) indicate that the highest-rated factor was that tourism activities were environmentally friendly or promoted energy conservation, with an average score of 3.95. Regarding overall satisfaction with eco-friendly tourism (individual aspects), the highest-rated factor was that the tourism experience enhanced personal knowledge and capacity, with an average score of 3.98.