Development of Networking Pattern of Community-based Tourism Management between Saimoon Community and Phosri Community, Phiboonmangsaharn District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Abstract

This study aimed to find (1) problems and potentials of
Community-based Tourism (CBT) in Ban Sai Moon and Ban Pho Sri, (2)
development guidelines and strength evaluation of a CBT network in
the areas, and (3) a suitable CBT network. Research and Development
Methodology was applied in this study and samples were a total of 60
representatives, 30 of CBT samples of the two villages and 30 visitors
chosen by Purposive Sampling. Focus Group, Participatory Observation,
and outside observations in other successful CBT destinations were
employed for data collection. The findings were indicated as follows:
1. The two communities held different S (Strengths), W
(Weaknesses), O (Opportunities), and T (Threats) consistent with their
cultural identities, local life styles, and tourism attractions. Although
these differences were found, they could be mutually used as a
valuable CBT asset and appropriately presented in CBT travel itineraries
of the villages.
2. For CBT development, a concept of Community Network
Management was applied including a study of community contexts and
internal conditions, a learning summary, and an extension of the
established network. Regarding the strength evaluation of visitor
services by comparing between the original way and CBT perspective,
individual management was found leading to insufficient negotiation
powers to present outstanding tourism activities for the visitors.
However, when CBT management aspect was used, a community
network was found for tourism administration directly linked to the
community development, by establishing a CBT information center.
Interesting tourism resources of each community were substantially
employed to serve the tourists, resulting in increased tourism value
added in the regions.
3. The suitable CBT network of the two communities
consisted of as establishment of a community learning, knowledge
management, experiences, working skills, using of mutual tourism
resources with connected tourism routes, planning cooperation on
resource application and presentation of diversified tourism activities,
and tourism marketing in order to decrease waste costs and distribute
fair benefits to all stake holders.