The Potential of the Sustainable Integrated Creative Tourism Development in Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This research aimed to study communities and examine tourism resources of
Ubon Ratchathani for sustainable integrated tourism development and to find the potential
of sustainable integrated tourism development. Tools were the checklist of community
studies, physical data, geographic data, social data, checklist of tourism resources, quality
assessment, distinction and attraction, in-depth interview, and small group meeting. Four
small group meetings with forty people were organized. It was found that interesting natural
features include Mekong River, Sam Phan Bok, and pre-historic painting at Pha Taem.
Interesting cultural features include Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phraew, Wat Nong Pa
Phong, a Buddha statue of Phra Chao Yai In Plaeng, Luang Pu Man's Birthplace Memorial,
and various ethnic groups. Interesting events include Candle Festival, the tradition to honor
the goodness and the bravery of Chao Kham Phong, and Hastilinga ritual cremation.
Interesting services consist of accommodation, hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourist centers,
websites, and tour guides. Analysis results of internal and external environments showed
that the strong point of Ubon Ratchathani is the location in the middle of Southeast Asia
with easy access. Weak points are the lack of conservation plans to take care of tourism
resources, the opportunity of a logistics system linking roads, rails, ships, and air. Another
obstacle is rival tourism destinations near the province. For the potential of tourism
resources in the area, there are unique and attractive indicators. For the potential of
sustainable resource management, there is the suitable zoning of the area in harmony with
the surroundings. For the potential of the participation of communities, tourists and
stakeholders, there are indicators of communities and stakeholders in the conservation of
environmental and cultural resources. For the potential of activity, learning, mental
development and the creation of consciousness, there are factors indicating various activities
suitable for the potential of the area.