GUIDELINE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CLUTURAL TOURISM IN THE LOCAL AREA TO EXPERIENCE THE OLD TOWN DISTRICT OF BURIRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This study was purposively conducted to 1) explore the background, general information, characteristics, and resources for cultural tourism around Buriram Old Town in Buriram province; 2) investigate the tourism potentials of the old town to be develop as a cultural tourism attraction in Muang Buriram District; and 3) provide the guideline for cultural tourism development to present the local experience of Buriram Old Town. This mixed-method quantitative research employed the questionnaire for data collection. The sample group comprised 370 Thai and 15 local stakeholders. The results revealed that the tourism potentials of Buriram old town were generally high in most cases for cultural tourism development as it also required strong collaboration from all partners supported by the private sectors, and community which related to the potential of the area meets the 5 tourist attraction elements: attraction accessibility accommodation activities and destination amenities. The potential of Buriram Old Town Most of them were at a high level, and suggestions on how to develop to be a cultural tourist destination. Must receive cooperation from the government, private sectors and communities as follows: Public relations to the place within the community, The private sectors must assist with the budget for the maintenance of the building, the community member should collaborate to continually create tourism activities plan; and The community members should keep their places clean and offer the tourists with all required information about the local tourist attractions within their community.