Developing guidelines for ethnic tourism in U Thong District, Suphanburi

Abstract

The purpose of this research had developing guidelines for ethnic tourism in U Thong District, Suphanburi. This was qualitative research with data collection by indepth interviews involving key data providers, namely, Lecturer in the Department of Tourism Industry in the University, Cultural Tourism Specialist and community leaders of ethnic groups in U Thong, Suphanburi. Data analysis was by content analysis with triangulation data verification. The research found that guidelines for ethnic tourism in U Thong District, Suphanburi has 4 Components 1) Appearance and tourist attractions such as build landmark in the community to stimulate interest for tourists, had a continuous publicity of tourism, 2) Public and private sector support such as increase the budget to stimulate tourism, find an agency directly responsible for tourism in  U Thong District, local government heads need to pay more attention to tourism within the community, 3) Community staff participation  such as encourage people within the community to see the importance of theis own culture, people within the community must participate in tourism management, and 4) Basic infrastructure such as cut to make a route linking tourism within U Thong District, eliminate water shortage problems, Public relations signs at tourist destinations in U Thong. The suggestions of this study were 1) Government agencies and communities should use the research findings as data to create strategies for developing community based cultural tourism, and 2) Government agencies should allocate budgets to stimulate tourism while reducing complicated procedures.