UIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL TOURISM OF THE GROUP OF PROVINCES IN THE EASTERN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the cultural tourism management of the group of provinces in the Eastern Economic Corridor development project, 2) study the potential of the cultural tourism cities of the group of provinces, and 3) find ways to develop and promote cultural tourism of the group of provinces as a soft power for Thai festivals and traditions. It was a qualitative research study. There were 23 key informants: 6 representatives of cultural tourism operators, 6 cultural tourism community leaders, 3 representatives of the Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, and 5 experts. The research was conducted through purposive selection and semi - structured interviews. In - depth interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed by content analysis. The research results found that 1) cultural tourism management included tourism personnel, tourism infrastructure, standardized tourism services, tourism activities, tourism environment, and community participation. 2) The area had the potential to be developed and promoted as a cultural tourism city. 3) Guidelines for cultural tourism development and promotion included: 3.1) Sustainable cultural tourism through the development and promotion of the diversity of nature, society, and culture. 3.2) Linking cultural tourism within provincial groups by establishing service centers and providing tourism information at all levels. 3.3) Upgrading the culture, environment, and economy of local communities by organizing joint hosting activities. 3.4) Developing and cultivating responsible tourism awareness among all sectors by creating awareness and understanding of the impacts of tourism. 3.5) Developing distinctiveness by collecting data, historical evidence, social and cultural traces, and local identities.