The Competency Development to Manage Agro-Eco Tourism of Pla Ba Community, Loei, Thailand

Abstract

This article was the study aiming to enhance the competency for agro-eco tourism management in Pla-Ba Community so the community members could develop their knowledge and ability to manage local tourism more efficiently and sustainably. The study was conducted with a population group consisting of 23 board members of the Pla Ba Community-Based Tourism Promotion Club at Pla Ba Sub-district, Loei Province, who were responsible for local tourism management. The research tools used in the study was the test on individual knowledge, skill, attitude, and the training program on competency enhancement for agro-eco-tourism management. The study outcome indicated that the board of members demonstrated better score for their competency after passing the training program. Namely, their individual knowledge was increased and the mean score = 23.17 points or 77.23%, Standard Deviation (S.D) = 2.41 or Very Good; their skill was developed with mean score = 1.35 or 67.50%, Standard Deviation (S.D.) = 0.17 or Very Good; and their attitude was developed with mean score = 3.32 and Standard Deviation (S.D) = 0.20 or Very Good. The result was statistically significant (0.05). In conclusion, the competency for agroeco tourism management could be effectively developed through the designed training program in which the program should be suitable and matched with the community’s capacity.