THE PROMOTION OF CREATIVE TOURISM AND THE CULTURE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BASED ON MULTICULTURISM: A CASE STUDY OF SUAN PHUENG DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

          The objectives of this research article aimed to, namely: 1) Study the situations in the promotion of creative tourism and the culture for community development based on multiculturalism in a case study of the role of Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province; and
2) Present suggestions for the promotion of creative tourism and the culture for community development based on multiculturalism. The research was qualitative research. The sample consisted of 18 persons, who were classified for in-depth interviews at a total of eight persons and group discussions at a total of ten persons. The sample was from purposive sampling. The research tools comprised structured questionnaires. The sample group was identified based on persons who were involved with tourism and community development within the area of Ratchaburi Province and had consented to provide the information throughout the research process. The data was analyzed using content analysis, examined with triangulation technique, and presented descriptively. The results of the research found that: 1) The situations in the promotion of creative tourism and the culture for community development based on multiculturalism were namely: 1.1) The appropriate role for the area; 1.2) Having an educational network and strong community development; 1.3) A Clear strategy for the promotion of tourism; and 1.4) Being able to constantly integrate tourism with the development of quality of life in other aspects. And, 2) Suggestions for the promotion of creative tourism and the culture for community development based on multiculturalism were namely: 2.1) The promotion of creative tourism and the culture for community development based on multiculturalism must have incorporated the planning that concerned with diversity that built the opportunities for tourists to experience the creative atmosphere and the learning promotion that had values of the local culture; and 2.2) Community development consisted of the promotion of the strength by using social capital to build an effective communication system that supported collaboration and the building of cultural learning.