CULTURAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN KRABI PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to investigate the attitudes of tourists towards cultural tourism in Krabi province; 2) to investigate all stakeholders to participate in determining a sustainable tourism in Krabi province; 3) to investigate the process of management for cultural tourism in Krabi province; 4) to propose the guidelines for cultural tourism management achieving sustainable tourism in Krabi province. This research employed the qualitative approach utilizing documentary research, site surveys and in-depth interview with 18 key informants consist of 3 government officials, 3 hospitality entrepreneurs, 3 cultural experts, 3 Buddhist monks, 3 local residents and 3 tourists who have an experience on cultural tourism directly and it is a suitable for this research.

     The result found that a small number of tourists know about cultural tourism but they need to support the promotion of cultural tourism in Krabi province. All stakeholders have to understand much its value and what they get the benefits from cultural tourism. The processes of cultural tourism management consist of the initiating cooperation, conservation, management and new creation should be created by the stakeholders from the early stage. The guidelines for cultural tourism management achieving sustainable tourism are concentrated on conservation that is a basic principle of sustainable tourism development relating with social values, economic activities, and local development. It can suggest the stakeholders how to manage the cultural tourism systematically and efficiently. It can develop and create new structures on an area with contemplating analysis and brainstorming of stakeholders effectively. Therefore, the guidelines can be enhanced the strength of local economies though tourism, encouraging provincial administrators, and all stakeholders to participate in determining a sustainable tourism in Krabi province.