Guidelines for the Development of Homestay for Creative Tourism in Pak Bara Bay Community, Satun Province

Abstract

The purpose of this article are to evaluate the potential and readiness for developing a homestay in Pak Bara bay community using a community-based process. In addition, to find a way to develop homestays in Pak Bara bay community for creative tourism which is Participatory Action Research (PAR). In-depth interviews, focus group discussion and observation data used for collated data. The key informants purposely selected, totaling 23 people from three groups: government sector, homestay operators and local communities. Data were analyzed using SWOT analysis and content analysis. The study results found that the Pak Bara bay community has strengths in terms of its distinctive way of life and occupations based on local wisdom. This new form of tourism has expanded greatly and the good opportunity is that Thai tourists are increasingly interested in community tourism. However, there are weaknesses in the lack of knowledge and understanding about homestay tourism and the lack of a tourist attraction database system. Guidelines for developing Pakbara bay community homestays for creative tourism are 1) preparation of place and activities; 2) engage with the community to think, plan, operate and receive benefits equally; 3) having leaders with high leadership skills; 4) increasing public relations through various channels; 5) distributing income by promoting product creation in groups; and 6) managing tourism by taking into account the balance between the needs of tourists and local communities.