Cultural Tourism Route Development in Ubon Ratchathani Old Town

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to: 1) explore and collect multicultural capital in the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town; 2) examine the cultural identity values of this multicultural capital; and 3) propose cultural tourism route based on the multicultural capital of the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town.. This study employed a qualitative research design. The researchers used in-depth interviews and focus groups as the research instruments. The sample was obtained through purposive sampling. Participants were from 10 government sectors, 10 private sectors, 10 communities, and 10 tourists. The researchers found that there were seven types of local cultural resources in the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town: 1) architecture, 2) archaeological artefacts 3) performing arts, 4) traditional craftsmanship, 5) folk sports and games, 6) festival event, and 7) religion. The cultural identity values of the multicultural capital in the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town encompassed historical value, social value, scientific value, spiritual value, and aesthetic value. Moreover, the cultural tourism routes based on the multicultural capital of the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town could be developed into educational tourism routes that reflected the diverse multicultural groups, including Thai-Chinese, Thai-Vietnamese, Thai-Sikh, and Thai-Isan communities.