Integrated Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development in Samutsongkhram Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to (1) study the problem of sustainable tourism development of Sumut Songkhram Province, (2) seek the potential for developing sustainable tourism of Samut Songkhram Province, and (3) develop a strategic plan for sustainable tourism development of Samut Sngkhram Province. The results of this study showed that the most important internal environment of sustainable tourism development of Sumut Songkhram Province was the lack of online marketing strategy of business sectors, while the important external environmental problems were the problem of coastal erosion, marine pollution, and the encroachment of sea water into the freshwater. With regard to the study on the problem of sustainable tourism development of Sumut Songkhram Province, research findings supported that this province has good tourism resources. Next, the researcher proposed a strategic plan for developing a sustainable tourism model for Samut Songkhram Province. Such strategic plan aimed to build natural tourism images in terms of Low Carbon, give an exposure to traditional ways of life of the local gardeners for environmental preservation, develop the so-called “slow life in the way of Buddhists” for cultural conservation and mental development and also devise a tourism brand of organic farming for economic development, and income distribution to the local community. According to the sustainable tourism vision, a sustainable tourism development strategy contributed to the local economy and promoted income distribution to the communities. Additionally, it also enabled social integration, cultural preservation, and mental development.