The Role of Local Administration in Supporting Local Economy Through National Parks Tourism Promotion

Abstract

This paper aims to present the result from studying the role of local administration in the community economy by promoting tourism from the case study of 9 National Parks in lower Northern Region including 1) Khlong Lan N.P. 2) Nam Nao N.P. 3) Phu Hin Rong Kla N.P. 4) Mae Wong N.P. 5) Khao Kho N.P. 6) Ramkhamhaeng N.P. 7) Si Satchanalai N.P. 8) Phu Soi Dao N.P. and 9) Lam Nam Nan N.P. The data were collected by interviewing the authorities of 27 local administrations located nearby the National Parks. From the study, it was found that 15 local administrations or 55.56% have played a role in the community economy development from activities related to tourism in the National Parks. These activities mainly focused on promoting the local enterprises and developing the local products for tourists. The aspects of the support involved providing financial aid, training on new knowledge, organizing study trips, creating community markets as tourist destinations, developing new tourist attractions for more options, providing the amenities for tourists, and publicizing each National Park. The study suggested each local administration to increase its role in developing the National Park with the National Park Office on both policy level and operation level. This collaboration will help enhancing the potential in tourism of each National Park.