Community participation in tourism management coconut tree subdistrict mueang phetchaburi district phetchaburi province

Abstract

This research aims to study the degree of public participation in the management of tourist attractions in the the Ton Maphrao sub- district, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi Province to compare the level of public participation in the arrangement of tourist attractions in the community with various personal factors and to study the guidelines for public participation in the management of tourism attractions in the Ton Maphrao sub- district. The data collection was conducted between October 2021 and September 2022. The mixed research method was employed: both qualitative research with in- depth interviews and focus- group interviews and and quantitative research. The sample group in the research was people in the community. Both random sampling and convenience sampling was used to collect data. The results of the study indicate that the participation of people in the community mainly takes the form of community members and government agencies brainstorming to solve problems together, attending meetings and organizing activities within the community. In addition, people in the community participate in coordinating to educate or provide services to tourists. They also create publicity for tourist attractions within the community, which involves the establishment of a committee to operate within the community and volunteers who participate in coordinating with departments within the community. The local government supports this activity with funds and equipment and has strong coordination with external agencies so that people in the community receive new information and knowledge from community activities, have pride in the community and benefit from the management of tourist attractions within the community.