Potential Development and Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Management Direction Based on Local Identity, Ban Phet Phu Khiao Municipality, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) examine and analyze the potential of the community in tourism management through public participation process; 2) synthesize directions for community-based tourism management through public participation; and 3) create policy recommendations for community-based tourism management through  a participatory approach in Ban Phet Phu Khiao Sub-district Municipality.This study employed a qualitative research methodology divided into three phases. Phase 1 involved analyzing    the community’s potential, considering both internal and external factors using purposive sampling. The key informants included community leaders, municipal council members, and representatives of the public sector, totaling 32 participants. Phase 2 involved focus group discussions with stakeholders to determine directions for community tourism management through public participation. Participants included administrators and personnel of  Ban Phet Phu Khiao Sub-district Municipality, representatives from government agencies, community leaders, public representatives, and local entrepreneurs, totaling 12 participants. Phase 3 involved in-depth interviews with key informants to formulate policy recommendations for community-based tourism management through a participatory process. Key informants were selected from local administrative organization executives, community leaders, public representatives, entrepreneurs, and experts from relevant agencies, totaling 10 people. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1) In terms of analyzing community potential, the Ban Phet Phu Khiao Sub-district Municipality possessed diverse natural resources and local wisdom, which served as strengths for further development of the grassroots economy. Residents had stable incomes from their occupations, with establishing occupational groups and networks and participated with local administrative organizations. 2 Regarding the direction of community-based tourism management, there should be a community-based tourism model emphasizing participation at all stages, linking to the grassroots economy, sustainability of resources, and policy collaboration with the municipality, income generation, and sustainable improving quality of life. 3) Regarding policy recommendations, there should be promotion on that emphasized participatory management of citizens and relevant sectors, development of human and community organization, linking to the grassroots economy, sustainability of resource, and collaborative partnerships.