The Management of Tourist Buddhist Temples on Friendly Design in Upper North

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to explore the areas of temple attractions based on the universal design in the upper northern region; 2) to investigate and develop a tourism route based on the nine prosperous temples in Lampang, as well as a model for developing the universal design of temples as tourist attractions following Kruba Chao Siwichai in Lamphun Province; and 3) to present an application for managing temples tourist attractions based on the universal design in the upper northern region. The study employed mixed-methods research approach. As research tools, documents, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and workshops were all used. Purposive sampling was used to select the target population in each area. 400 persons provided data via questionnaires, while 76 persons provided data via in-depth interviews.

From the study, it is discovered that tourists travel for leisure purposes, in which they seek information from the internet. They usually travel with their family by private car once a month on the weekend, and they enjoy eating local cuisine. They stay at the hotel and spend 3,000 – 5,000 baht each time. The universal design facilities of tourist attractions include access to important attractions for people of all ages and genders, as well as parking lots, toilets, and walkways for disabled people, and so on. The process of creative areas includes: 1) The management of existing tourist attractions that are physically ready, participatory management, conservation, and promotion; 2) The creative area management based on the merit route, Buddhist aesthetics, participation, network partners, access, and creative activities following the footprint of Kruba Chao Siwichai. The activities that promote local culture, gratitude, and the presentation of tourism route through an application in order to provide information on route and creative activities.