The Potential of Community-Based Tourism under the OTOP Community Tourism Project: A Case Study of I-Sarn Local Culture-Oriented Tourism Village (Ban Sasom), Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

                This study aimed to identify directions for attracting tourists to Sasom Homestay nature and I-Sarn local culture oriented-tourism village in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani, under the OTOP Tourism Village Project.  In-depth-interviews and participant observation were used for data collection, and the sample included community leaders, local elders, and Sasom Homestay tourism village members.

                   The study identified the capacity of the tourism village (Sasom Homestay) to attract tourists in 9 areas. They are 1) creation of tourist impressions, 2) facilities and accommodations, 3) local food, 4) local culture and festivals, 5) natural attractions, 6) cultural and religious monument attractions, 7) community management, 8) community activities organization and 9) sustainable conservation of natural resources. The study also revealed the capacity of community products in 3 aspects, 1) availability of raw materials and labor for production, 2) standard community products and 3) identity creation of local products. In addition, the study identified the village’ s potential to incorporate other  sectors into its  development, i.e., public and private sectors, educational institutions, and community tourism learning networks, which can assist in public relations for its various projects, products and packaging research and improvement, online marketing development, the study of market needs, knowledge, and skills improvement, as well as locating funding, with the aim of creating  sustainable tourism to the community’s attractions.