Development of Creative Tourism Activities Based on Community Capital, Banwan Tourism Community, Namkham Sub-district, Mueang Sisaket District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: Ban Wan Tourism Community is recognized as a religious and cultural tourism destination with the potential to be elevated into a creative tourism hub by leveraging community assets. This development aims to meet the evolving needs of contemporary tourists while aligning with economic development that considers a balance among economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. The objectives of this research are twofold: (1) to explore the potential for creative tourism based on community assets and (2) to design creative tourism activities derived from community resources within Ban Wan Tourism Community, Nam Kham Subdistrict, Mueang Sisaket District, Sisaket Province.

Methodology: This qualitative research employed purposive sampling to select participants. The key informants included: (1) 20 members of the Ban Wan Tourism Community Committee and (2) 18 representatives from government agencies, private sector organizations, community members, and tourists. Research instruments comprised (1) in-depth interview guidelines and (2) semi-structured interview guides. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The Ban Wan Tourism Community possesses prominent community assets in the form of physical, social, and human capital. Additionally, natural and financial capital further contribute to its potential for creative tourism development. Based on these resources, the following creative tourism activities were identified: (1) crafting religious offering sets for the sacred relic, (2) basket weaving, (3) traditional Lao cuisine preparation, (4) traditional Lao dessert making, (5) weaving traditional Thai loincloths and crafting rainbow-patterned umbrellas, (6) bird and fish watching, (7) traditional massage and relaxation, and (8) participating in almsgiving while wearing traditional Thai attire.

Conclusion: The development of creative tourism activities based on community assets should align with the community’s potential, respond to tourist behavior and preferences, and incorporate characteristics of creative tourism. Specifically, encouraging tourists to engage in cultural and artistic activities with the community fosters memorable experiences, deepens their understanding of the local context, and creates lasting impressions. Such development can enhance the distinctiveness, novelty, and appeal of the destination, thereby increasing the value and competitiveness of the tourism sector.