THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN THE PROVINCE OF UTTARADIT

Abstract

                The objectives of this research are 1) to study the potential development of tourist sites in communities of Uttaradit province; 2) to compare the potential development of tourist sites between the communities of Uttaradit province and 3) to study the application of geographic information technology in integrated Buddhist tourism. The researchers studied the data by studying relevant documents and research results and conducted field surveys including observation, interviews, focus groups conferences with 4 monks, 9 local government organization personnel, 9 entrepreneurs and villagers, 3 tourism officials and 5 officers from the academic institutions in the provinces. The obtain data were then analyzed according to the research methodology.

                   The results of the research are as follows: 1) Tourism potential development in the communities of Uttaradit province: The tourist sites are a cultural tourist destination that a continuous activities are arranged during each festival seasons or annual events which require cooperation from relevant agencies; 2)A Comparison of potential development of tourism sites between the communities in Uttaradit province: the interviews and field studies in the area showed that the potential of each area, the availability and convenience of the location including the information are the responsibility of some agencies in terms of public relations and training which are accessible and can know the coordinates depending on the personnel and budgets supported by government agencies and related organizations and 3) The application of geo-informatics technology in Buddhist tourism by applying wisdom to create modern communication tools, such as applications, as well as creating potential for tourist attractions in the community based on human beliefs that are based on natural rules, the connection with supernatural beliefs and Buddhist principles combining together to strengthen the community and society.