Guidelines for Strengthening Collaboration in the Sustainable Development of Buddhist Faith-Based Tourism: A Case Study of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen, Maha Sarakham Province
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Abstract
This research aimed to:(1) examine the level of sustainable development in Buddhist faith-based tourism at Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen, Maha Sarakham Province;(2) compare the perceptions of tourists and stakeholders toward the sustainable development of Buddhist faith-based tourism, classified by personal characteristics;(3) investigate the causal relationships between religious, cultural, community, and management factors influencing the sustainable development of Buddhist faith-based tourism; and(4) propose guidelines for enhancing collaboration among temples, communities, government agencies, the private sector, and tourists to promote sustainable Buddhist faith-based tourism.The sample group comprised 384 tourists and pilgrims visiting Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen, and 10 key informants including monks, community leaders, and representatives from tourism-related agencies in Maha Sarakham Province. The research instruments consisted of a questionnaire and an in-depth interview form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, multiple regression analysis, and content analysis.The findings revealed that the overall level of sustainable development of Buddhist faith-based tourism was high. Pilgrims with different ages, educational backgrounds, and levels of religious experience showed statistically significant differences in their perceptions of tourism development. Religious and cultural factors—such as Dhamma-related activities, faith in Buddhist teachings, participation of temples and communities, and government support—were found to have a positive influence on the sustainable development of Buddhist faith-based tourism.Guidelines for strengthening collaboration include:(1) establishing temple–community–government networks,(2) promoting the integration of Dhamma learning with tourism activities,(3) designing sustainable religious tourism routes, and (4) developing spiritual learning centers aligned with the philosophy of sufficiency economy.
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