Development of Creative Products from Nipa Palm Forest Resources to Promote Tourism of Khanab Nak Community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This study aims to develop creative products from Nipa palm (Nipa fruticans) forest resources to add values to the local products and to develop product association patterns in order to propel tourism in Khanabnak sub-district, Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The study was conducted using the participatory action research and substantially relied upon the community cooperation on various aspects throughout the process. This research implementation was as follows: 1) Creative recipe and product development process, consists of creating ideas, designs and implements of standard recipes, nutritional evaluation, package design, and market research; 2) Synthesized the association pattern of the local products to promote Khanabnak community’s tourism as “ALAP MODEL”, comprising 1) attraction tourism-A 2) local community-L 3) activity tourism-A and 4) public relation-P; and 3) Knowledge transfer to the community in the development of creative products to promote tourism, such as standardized the production process, developing products which reflect local identity leads to learning activities, the unique creative products of the community are recognized by tourists. Results regarding the project, create a group of farmers and community enterprises develop products to promote tourism in the Khanab Nak community. Therefore, the creation of three new creative products to the market namely: Nipa palm sugar-glazed popcorn, Nipa palm caramel-glazed popcorn and all-purpose dipping sauce made from Nipa palm syrup-based vinegar products leads to local employability and income of over 16,500 baht per month. Moreover, the community has implemented the knowledge of creative tourism management as a guideline for the community. Contributing to stability, prosperous and sustainable economy, and society.