Arts Tourism Development Based on Creative Tourism in Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to 1) study the potential of art tourism based on creative tourism concept, and 2) provide the recommendations for art tourism development based on creative tourism concept in Ratchaburi province. The study was qualitative research. Fifteen participants consisting of government officials, artists/entrepreneurs, and community representatives were in-depth interviewed using the semi-structural interviewing form and the content analysis method.

The results showed as follows: 1) regarding cultural capital, it was the uniqueness of arts and well-equipped with skills and knowledge which were passed on to tourists who participated in community activities. In terms of learning and knowledge sharing, art tourism allowed tourists and the community to learn in the community way. As for participation, artists/entrepreneurs and the community had to be well-prepared, able to explain and demonstrate the activities to tourists. Regarding creativity, it was significant to provide opportunities for tourists to use their creativity in doing activities. In shared experiences of tourists and the community, it was significant to enable tourists to gain hands-on experience in doing activities, and regarding tourism activities, artists/entrepreneurs and the community need to design activities in accordance with the local way of life. 2) Art tourism development based on creative tourism concept consisted of tourism resources, ancillary service, and tourism marketing, and public relations.