Identity for cultural tourism of the Bueng Kan Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) To study identities and cultural tourism potential in Bueng Kan province. 2) To study the participation of people in promoting cultural identities in Bueng Kan province. 3) To study tourist behavior of Thai and foreigners traveling on cultural tourism in Bueng Kan province. 4) To develop a strategic plan for the development of cultural tourism. The study was conducted by an integrated research methodology combining (Mixed-Method Research), quantitative research and qualitative research, using two types of data collection tools which are questionnaires for local philosophers, government agencies and private sector stakeholders related to cultural tourism. In addition, discussions (Focus Group) including questionnaires for the travelers and foreign tourists heading to Bueng Kan province were utlised. This was followed by conducting a content and discourse analysis, and analyzing data by using descriptive statistics with a computer program. The results showed that: 1) The cultural tourism of Bueng Kan has sufficient potential for development. There are 3 types of the cultural identity of Bueng Kan province which are cultural attractions related to the belief and faith, architectural, cultural attractions and attractions related to local food culture 2) Local communities’ involvement in the promotion of cultural identities in Bung Kan province is at a very high level. 3) Most of the tourists are females representing 53.20%, and aged between 31-40 years old. The reason why Bueng Kan is famous for cultural trips is because it easy to access Laos and the preferred method of travel is a group of friends by private car and mainly during public holidays. The accessibility of the province was the most highly sought requirement. This was followed by other important aspects such as tourist destinations, facilities, advertising, tourism activities in tourist attractions, and accommodation availability. The authors argue that A Strategic Plan for the Development of Cultural Tourism Identities in Bueng Kan province should focus on the balance between tourists and the cultural identity of the area by applying needed tourism resources which need to consider the impact of tourism development for sustainability.