Community-based Tourism Development Guidelines towards Responsible Green Tourism Destination: A Case Study of Ban Koh Khiam, Kantangtai Sub-district, Kantang District, Trang Province

Abstract

              This research aims to 1) study the current situation of community-based tourism in Ban Koh Khiam community, 2) study the tourism components of Ban Koh Khiam community (5As), and 3) provide Community Development Guidelines towards Responsible Green Tourism Destination: A Case Study of Ban Koh Khiam, Kantangtai Sub-district, Kantang District, Trang Province. This study was a qualitative research. The purposive sampling were used to select the sample. The population of this research were representative from government sector, private entrepreneurs and representing villagers from Ban Koh Khiam, amounting to 12 people. Research instruments was an in-depth interview and it was analyzed by content analysis techniques. The result found that community development guidelines towards responsible green tourism destination were 1) natural resources and culture, the process of green tourism knowledge management should be priority focused. This can be done by using the concept of green tourism as a basis for the development of community tourism sites by involving people in the community and government sector in the initiation process. 2. Community organization, it is necessary to establish a community organization to act for the development of the community towards green tourism destination by using the principles of community-based tourism in the implementation plan. 3. Management, Communities must establish clear rules for the community and there should be rules and governance systems in order to ensure the number of tourists is in line with the capacity of this area and community environment. 4. Learning, Communities should link to existing green learning activities, along with marine tourism, community-based tourism, health tourism, volunteer tourism and creative tourism in order to have a wider variety of tourism activities. All activities should be involved between community and tourists. Moreover, government sector should also support the budget and improve the infrastructure to support green tourism. Furthermore, private entrepreneurs as a key player should promote green tourism with social and environmental responsibility by offering this type of tour program to tourists.