Community Potential Development for Community-based Tourism through Linkage between Local Economy and Cultural Practices, Bung Nam Tao Sub-district, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aims at studying the potential, difficulties and community’s needs in developing to community-based tourism by connecting the local economy system with culture practices, that took place in Bung Nam Tao sub-district, Phetchabun province. Informants participated in the research included 14 of community leaders and workers. Semi-structured interview was used as the research instrument and the content analysis as data scrutiny. Research findings were as follows: 1) for the potential of community-based tourism, the community provides interesting activities and travel programs, accommodations and restaurants as well as attractive setting and nice weather suitable for vacation, 2) in terms of local products potential, traditional wisdom and knowledge has influenced the creation of handicrafts and local food which promote the community’s tourism, 3) regarding the local economy, the environment in the community is decent with pollution-free and sufficient natural resources including residents’ organic agriculture of vegetables and fruit, and 4) in the potential of local cultures, newly initiated practices have been managed and developed as to become local traditions.