The Integration of Social and Cultural Ecotourism Plan in Thai-Laos Mekong Basin from Nakhon Phanom to Ubon Ratchathani and from Khammouane to Champasak Province

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the strategic plans of Thai-Laos tourism in the provinces of Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani and Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan and Champasak. This research intended to explore the similarities of the travel plans, including the guidelines of social and cultural ecotourism planning along the Mekong River. The researcher used the structured interview to collect data focusing on tourism management plans, tourism development methods, problems and guidelines to implement the strategic plans for tourism. This qualitative research recruited population groups by specific sampling. They were groups of stakeholders involving tourism supply chain of the research area including 5 groups: 1) 10 persons of Thai and Lao tourism service operators from three companies; 2) 24 persons of representatives of the Association of Tour Operators in Thailand and Laos; 3) 20 representatives of the public and private sectors;4) 40 tourists 5) 20 community representatives with high-manageable potential. The study revealed that 4 provinces in Thailand and the 4 provinces in Laos had their own tourism strategic plans without any integration. It thus decreased the ability ofthe Mekong River in becoming a major tourist attraction. Regarding development guidelines, there were tourism activities supported in the areas, but it still lacked of tourism activities that were relevant toThai and Laos tourists’ behaviors. This research offered recommendations for tourism strategies in which linked to the vision of “Linking community-based tourism along the Mekong River to develop international tourism” with 3 strategies: The first strategy was included development of infrastructures, facilities and tourist attractions; The second strategy, development of tourism images and community-based tourism activities with participatory management mechanisms for balance and sustainability and the final strategy  development of human potential, product quality and tourism service standards.