The Exploration of the Studies: Tourism in the World Heritage Area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Abstract

          Currently, there is research studying tourism in many areas. However, there are still few studies related to tourism in the World Heritage areas. This causes a lack of knowledge for developing tourism in World Heritage areas. Therefore, this research aims to 1) explore tourism studies in the World Heritage Area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and 2) organize their research data. This is documentary research by collecting data from academic databases for analyzing content.  Descriptive statistics is used to present the data.

           According to the findings, there are 33 research studies about the tourism in the World Heritage Area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. All research can be analyzed and grouped into 5 main areas: 1) tourism development and management in the World Heritage Area, 2) area conditions and the potential of the World Heritage area in accommodating tourists, 3) policies and strategic plans related to tourism in the World Heritage area, 4) development of tourist attractions in the World Heritage area, and 5) attitudes and participation of citizens towards tourist attractions in the World Heritage area. Relevant agencies, communities and entrepreneurs can apply this knowledge as a guideline for tourism development in the World Heritage Area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and other World Heritage Areas.