Sustainable Tourism Development of Nhanmoddang, Pa Phayom District, Phatthalung Province

Abstract

          The research on “Sustainable tourism development of Nhanmoddang, Phatthalung” was aimed to (1) study the current condition of Nhanmoddang, (2) study the potential for tourism development in Nhanmoddang area, (3) study the participation level of stakeholders in Nhanmoddang area and (4) suggest guidelines for sustainable tourism development of Nhanmoddang, Phatthalung. This study employed qualitative method.  Informants for interviews were community leaders, local people, tourists, staff members of government sectors and private tourism-related entrepreneurs.  Data were analyzed using content analysis approach.  The results showed that to sustain tourism development at Nhanmoddang, the number of incoming tourists to the area should be limited.  This would prevent the area from becoming too crowded and help reduce the number of car accidents.  Number of guest rooms and parking space should be increased.  More sustainable-tourism activities such as retro market, new-concept agro-tourism should be introduced to help promote rafting, the main product of Nhanmoddang.  Despite the strong collaboration among all stakeholders in preserving the environment of Nhanmoddang, local government officers still lack knowledge about sustainable tourism development.  Therefore, both government and private sectors are advised to educate local people about sustainable tourism concepts and coax the local community to participate in tourism management, so tourism can be beneficial to all parties.  Local people should be aware that tourism is one of their assets and they should therefore help sustain it.