WELLNESS TOURISM ACTIVITY MODEL DEVELOPMENT IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE.

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the components of the model of wellness tourism activities in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 2) to develop the model of wellness tourism activities in Nakhon Ratchasima province, and 3) to synthesize the model of wellness tourism activities in Nakhon Ratchasima province. This study was a qualitative research. The methodology was conducted by synthesizing related theories and research. Data collected were then used to prepare the focus group discussions to brainstorm ideas for designing wellness tourism related activities and to develop the interview for conducting in-depth interview to create the model of wellness tourism activities.

          The results of this study indicated as follows:

1. The model of wellness tourism activities was beneficial and could be used as the guidelines for living balanced life with disease-free longevity. The developed model consisted of four components, namely: environment, food and nutrition, physical and mental health.


2. In terms of developing the model of wellness tourism activities, it was found that the good environment should be accessed by tourists to increase their chance to touch fresh air such as planting trees, hiking, and cycling, etc. In terms of food and nutrition, useful non-toxic foods with good nutrition should be provided to tourists such as consumption activities related to five main food groups and five colors vegetables, etc. In terms of physical health, health promoting activities should be promoted for enhancing physical and flexible health such as walking around mushroom farm, playing yoga for flexible body, etc. In terms of mental health, mental health promoting activities should be promoted to alleviate stress such as meditation practice, learning life philosophy, etc.


3. For synthesizing the model of wellness tourism activities in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the “EMBN” model consisted of environment, food and nutrition, physical and mental health promotion.