Guidelines to Develop the Potential of Ban Phu Din Eco-Tourism Management, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This study aimed: 1) to examine the fundamental context and potential of community-based tourism management in Ban Phu Din, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province; 2) to analyze the community’s tourism environment and situation; and 3) to propose guidelines for developing eco-tourism management capacity. Qualitative research was employed. The Informants included 20 members of the Ban Phu Din Community-based Tourism and 4 tourism academics, totaling 24 participants. Data was collected through in-depth interviews by using semi-structured interview form and focus group discussions and analyzed using content analysis and situation analysis based on the SWOT framework.  The research results were:
1) Ban Phu Din community possesses considerable potential for sustainable community-based tourism management under the leadership of a committee. The community collaborates with various partners,
to enhance residents’ quality of life, and systematically preserves local culture and natural resources.
It promotes organic agriculture and environmental activities alongside service capacity development. Despite limitations in facilities, the overall management reflects participatory and sustainable eco-tourism practices; 2) The community’s strengths include abundant natural resources, a suitable environment for eco-tourism, and strong leadership guided by local wisdom and sustainability principles. Weaknesses include a lack of distinctive tourism activities, limited publicity, and insufficient funding. Opportunities exist to develop new activities, improve service standards, and build networks with nearby attractions, while threats include inadequate infrastructure, underdeveloped landscapes, and limited external support; and 3) The guidelines for enhancing management capacity should focus on strengthening local tourism groups through improved public relations, homestay development, preservation of cultural identity, promotion of environmental learning, and the development of safety-related infrastructure, to elevate sustainable ecotourism development.