Guidelines for Health Tourism Development of Ban Pha Rang Mee Community, Sai Yoi Subdistrict, Noen Maprang District Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This mixed methods research aimed to study the tourism components and potential of tourism resources for develop health tourism of Ban Pha Rang Mee Community, Sai Yoi Subdistrict, Noen Maprang District, Phitsanulok Province, and investigate health tourism guidelines for the community’s health tourism. The data were collected by using a questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, an observation form, and an assessment form of tourism resource potential according to community tourism components. The data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The finding showed that there are 10 components of tourism in health tourism: value of tourist attractions, accessibility, tourism management system, amenities, carrying capacity, attraction environment, famous tourist attractions, activities, community’s participation, and supporting the development of quality of life and community economics. Also, it was found that the community’s potential of tourism resources was at a high level. In terms of the guidelines for organizing community health tourism, the value and potential of tourist attractions should be developed into attractions for health tourism in order to increase tourism options for communities and tourists; health tourism activities should be developed based on the value and potential of the area; community homestays should be developed to meet standards; and  it should provide knowledge about health tourism to the community as well as develop and improve communication channels with tourists and those interested in general.