Guidelines for Developing a Geographic Information System Database to Promote Tourism and Develop Creative Economy in Samut Songkhram Province

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to study information on tourist attractions, tourism support facilities, problems, and the need for geographic information systems (GIS) in Samut Songkhram province to promote tourism and develop a creative economy.

Methods: The research adopts a mixed-methods approach. It combines quantitative data collection through surveys and analysis of current tourist attractions and current tourism support facilities with the qualitative methods of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with a selected group of 10 individuals who were directly involved in the tourism industry.

Results: The findings of the research indicate that there are a total of 52 tourist attractions in Samut Songkhram province, with the majority concentrated in Amphoe Amphawa (29 attractions), followed by Amphoe Bang Khonthee (12 attractions), and Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram (11 attractions). These attractions are primarily historical and cultural sites. Tourism support facilities were predominantly found in Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram (417 establishments), including restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and accommodation. This is followed by Amphoe Amphawa (211 establishments) and Amphoe Bang Khonthi (105 establishments). When evaluating the potential of tourist attractions, two attractions—Ban Laem temple and Chulamanee temple—were rated as being of very high quality. Twelve attractions were rated as high-quality, 16 as medium-quality, and 22 as low-quality. As for problems and needs for GIS to promote tourism and develop the creative economy, the primary issue arose from the absence of a spatial reporting system and a lack of integration between various agencies.  This made the usage of data to monitor and plan spatial tourism development impossible. There is a need for a GIS database for use in tourism management in the area that can integrate information with related agencies to develop the creative economy. Finally, the desired development approach for the GIS is to develop a spatial database that can support both being a database on websites and web applications of agencies that all users can access conveniently, making it easy to use and supporting travel planning.

Application of this study: The findings of this research can be used as a guideline to promote tourism and foster the creative economy of Samut Songkhram province. They can be applied in the planning and management of tourism activities and internal tourism routes. Furthermore, these research results can be utilized to develop and enhance tourist attractions in the area, making them more attractive and capable to accommodate a larger number of tourists in the future.