DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATED CONVERSATIONAL SYSTEM TO PROVIDE TOURISM INFORMATION IN SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE FOR THE ELDERLY GROUP

Abstract

This research developed an automated conversational system (chatbot) to provide tourism information in Sukhothai province, specifically designed for elderly travelers who often face difficulties accessing digital travel information. The system was developed using LINE Official Account (LINE OA) as the main platform, integrating Google Sheets and App Scripts to efficiently manage and retrieve relevant tourism data. The research method had three main steps: (1) looking into how chatbots are designed and made for older users, (2) creating an interactive system that provides information about tourist spots, transportation, places to stay, and facilities for the elderly, and (3) testing how easy the system is to use with 86 older participants from Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province. Surveys and interviews were employed to assess the system's accuracy, usability, and user satisfaction. The findings indicate that the automated conversational system effectively delivers accurate and prompt tourism information with a high level of user satisfaction among elderly participants. The system significantly reduces barriers to accessing travel-related information, enhancing convenience for elderly tourists. However, we recommend further improvements, particularly in handling complex inquiries and refining the user interface for better accessibility.