Potentiality Development of Tourism Social Enterprises in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to study tourism social enterprises in Thailand in development, operational concepts, business models, management, and social innovations. Including achievements and conditions for achievements, impacts on the economic, social, and environment, as well as proposing guidelines for potentiality development of tourism social enterprises development in Thailand. There were 5 case studies of successful tourism social enterprises and 45 key informants selected purposively. In which in-depth interviews and non-participant observation were used in data collection. Analyzed data by using content analysis, logical thinking, cross-cased analysis, and interpretation under reality. Findings indicate that the development of tourism social enterprises starts with aspirations to run tourism business for making profit coupled with solving social problems. Their models of operation might differ from affecting by their business characteristics and influencing on groups behind the businesses. They adapt the development principles based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy and enhanced the involvement of administrators, workers, and members of local communities. Conditions for their achievement consist of having leaders with good visions and ideologies helpful for operating social enterprises. The appropriate social innovations were created by using social, natural, and cultural capital. These brought about positive impacts on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Important guidelines for potentiality development of tourism social enterprises including setting operational strategies are suitable for contexts and characteristics of each enterprise. Supporting should be made by both state and private sectors to promote tourism social enterprises for effective and efficient operation.