How do local people present the Professional Agritourism in Ban Mor Village in som sung district of Khon Kaen province?
Abstract
This article aims to study tourists’ opinions and tourists’ demand for agrotourism and guidelines to improve agrotourism in Ban
Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen Province. This is an organic agricultural village which applies the Sufficiency
Economy Philosophy as a core fundament in the farmers’ livelihood. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied and the
results show that tourists’ demand for agrotourism, in terms of accessibility, was at the highest level while attitudes, attractions,
accommodations, activities, amenities, and advertising were all at the high level. Appropriate guidelines were proposed to
improve the agricultural area and to develop agrotourism in this research area. These include 1) improving Homestay in Ban
Mor Village according to the Homestay standard in Thailand 2) improving facilitates to respond to tourists’ demands 3)
promoting agrotourism in the Ban Mor Village and 4) establishment of a local agricultural learning center in Ban Mor village.
Keywords: Agrotourism, Components of tourism destination
1. Introduction
Ban Mor Village is an agricultural village in Sam Sung district of Khon Kaen province, in the northern region of Thailand.
This village applies the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy developed by the King of Thailand as a fundamental concept in
the farmers’ livelihood. The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy highlights a balanced way of life (Mongsawad, 2010), and
an adequate social and economic foundation to attaint sustainable development (Chalapati, 2008). Transferring from
traditional agriculture to organic agriculture is a key turning point based on the concepts of the Sufficiency Economy
Philosophy. This is because organic agriculture focuses on environment conservation (Ritson & Oughton, 2006) and
healthy products for consumers (Walley et al., 2009). At the present, Ban Mor Village is well known for organic vegetable
production and also as an emerging agrotourism destination. In addition to its main income from farming; tourism is a
crucial part in the rural economy to achieve an additional wide range of economic benefits such as increasing
employment and enhancing income (Yang et al., 2010).
Agrotourism is a tourism product which is developed to meet tourists’ needs (Xu, 2010) and offers an integrated
experience to consumers (Buhalis, 2000). With regard to tourism development, a key question is what makes a
memorable and successful experience for tourists (Xu, 2010). In terms of agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, the researchers
focused on the topics of tourists’ opinions and tourists’ demand for agrotourism and the proposing of guidelines to
improve agrotourism. In this respect, two questions were raised 1) What are tourists’ opinions and tourists’ demands for
agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province and 2) What guidelines, should there be to
improve agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.
2. Objectives of the Study
(1) To study tourists’ opinions and tourists’ demand for agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon
Kaen Province.
(2) To study guidelines to improve agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.
3. Literature Review
3.1 Agrotourism
Agrotourism or agritourism is a synonym definition which is the phenomenon of attracting people onto agricultural
holdings (Evans & Ilbery, 1989) which has been recognized world-wide since the early twentieth century (Wicks &
Merrett, 2003). Agrotourism is a set of activities in which people link travel with products, services and experiences of
agriculture (Maetzold, 2002). Arroyo et al (2013) defines agrotourism as including agricultural settings, entertainment,
farming and education. It is consistent with Flanigan et al. (2014) who proposed that the key characteristics of
agrotourism include a working farm, contact with agricultural activities which are organized by farmers and authenticity of
tourists’ agricultural experiences. Therefore, agrotourism is more than a tourism product, but it is also a journey for new
sensations, and positive behavior in relation to the environment, the agricultural community and their culture (Lopez &
Garcia, 2006).
Agrotourism brings to tourists unique experiences during the time they spend in rural areas. They gain respect for
the local customs, local culture and enhance their awareness of the environment and natural products (Lopez & Garcia,
2006). Tourists are also looking for facilitate tourism in terms of agricultural areas such as accommodations that ensure
peace and rest (Halfacree, 1993), traditional food, information on agrotourism destinations, safety and security and basic
infrastructures (Kumbhar, 2009).
With regard to the local community or farmers, agrotourism is very important to rural communities. It seems to be a
mechanism to stimulate rural development. Agrotourism intends to obtain quality of living for rural communities through
stimulation of the farmer’s business (Tew & Barbiere, 2012), promoting and creating added value to local products (Zoto
et al., 2013) and increasing awareness and preservation of local customs and unique cultural traits (Ollenburg & Buckly,
2007).
In terms of sustainable tourism, tourism activities should be based on ethical values while taking into account the
economic, environmental and social impact (Goodwin &Francis, 2003). That is why organic agrotourism was created as
an innovative agrotourism. Organic agrotourism combines organic culture which focuses on healthy food with high
standards (Walley et al., 2009) and ecotourism to provide acceptable recreation opportunities without destroying the
environment (Kuo & Chiu, 2006).
3.2 Components of tourism destinations
A local tourism destination is a physical space where tourists choose to stay to experience certain features or attractions
(Leiper, 1995). A destination contains a number of basic elements which attract visitors to the destination and which
satisfy their needs on arrival. There are attractions, public and private amenities, accessibility, human resources, image
and character, and price (World Tourism Organization: UNWTO, 2007). Buhalis (2000) also suggests that there are six
core components of a destination which include: attractions, accessibility, amenities, available package, activities and
ancillary services. These are basic factors which have significant impact on the travel-decision process. The component
that is a fundamental element in a tourism destination is to incorporate tourism products which are capable of meeting
tourists’ demands and to create memorable experiences for tourists (Xu, 2010). This seems to be the draw factor to
motivate tourists to select a destination.
With regard to tourism management, local residents’ attitudes and perceptions should be considered. Many
tourism researchers believe that planners and entrepreneurs must take the view of the host community because their
attitudes and perceptions can have an influence on the successful development of current and future tourism programs
(Wang et al., 2009; Williams & Lawson, 2001).
Lastly, advertising also plays an important role in informing, seeking and prompting tourists regarding tourism
products at destinations (Morrison, 2013). Advertising can also be a means to educate tourists about appropriate
behaviors at sensitive sites and to emphasize the cultural or spiritual significance of the destination (Ely, 2013).
In terms of this study, the researchers applied seven (7) aspects including Attitudes, Attractions, Accessibility,
Accommodations, Activities, Amenities, and Advertising to identify tourists’ demand for agrotourism in Ban Mor Village,
Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.
4.1 Population and sample
The participants in this study were as follows:
(1) Thai tourists and international tourists who visited Khon Kaen province. According to the Department of
Tourism (2012), there were 2,048,346 tourist arrivals to Khon Kaen province. Using Yamane’s formula (1973)
and a 95% confidence level, the researcher calculated the sampling size as 423 participants.
(2) Ten experts who have long term experience on agrotourism and agro areas management in Ban Mor Village,
Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province. There were academics, tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of
involved public organizations and local philosophers.
4.2 Study design
Research data was conducted from January 2012 to May 2013 which is described in detail as shown below:
(1) For the quantitative data, questionnaires were created which consisted of three parts 1) Demographic
information of the tourists 2) Tourists’ opinions on agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen
province. 3) Tourists’ demand for agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.
In terms of statistical analysis of the data, the mean, standard deviation and chi-square test were used.
(2) For the qualitative data, a focus group discussion was organized. Ten experts which included academics,
tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of involved public organizations and local philosophers discussed ways to design
appropriate guidelines to improve agrotourism. Data analysis was used as a descriptive analysis.
4.3 Research area
Ban Mor Village in Sam Sung District of Khon Kaen province is an agricultural village which applies the Sufficiency
Economy Philosophy in rural development step-by-step. There are 196 households which focus on organic farming (Sam
Sung District Agricultural Extension, 2012). Ban Mor Village is well-known as an agricultural area which produces organic
vegetables in Khon Kaen Province and is also emerging as an agotourism destination, too.
วิธีทำคนในท้องถิ่นนำเสนอเล็ก ๆ มืออาชีพในหมู่บ้านบ้าน Mor ส้มสูงจังหวัดขอนแก่นอำเภอขอนแก่นบทคัดย่อบทความนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาความคิดเห็นของนักท่องเที่ยวและอุปสงค์ของนักท่องเที่ยวปัตย์และแนวทางการปรับปรุงปัตย์ในบ้านMor หมู่บ้าน อำเภอ จังหวัดขอนแก่นซำสูง เป็นหมู่บ้านเกษตรเป็นอินทรีย์ที่ใช้เพียงพอปรัชญาเศรษฐกิจเป็นพื้นฐานที่มั่นคงเป็นหลักในการดำรงชีวิตของเกษตรกร ใช้วิธีการเชิงปริมาณ และเชิงคุณภาพและผลลัพธ์แสดงว่า ความต้องการของนักท่องเที่ยวปัตย์ ถึง ในที่ระดับสูงสุดในขณะที่ทัศนคติ ท่องเที่ยวสถานที่พัก กิจกรรม สิ่งอำนวยความสะดวก และการโฆษณามีทั้งหมดในระดับสูง ได้เสนอแนวทางที่เหมาะสมปรับปรุงพื้นที่การเกษตรและ การพัฒนาปัตย์ในงานวิจัยนี้ ได้แก่ 1) การปรับปรุงโฮมสเตย์ในบ้านวิลเลจสมอตามมาตรฐานโฮมสเตย์ในประเทศไทย 2) ปรับปรุงอำนวยความสะดวกในการตอบสนองความต้องการของนักท่องเที่ยว 3)สถานประกอบการส่งเสริมปัตย์ในหมู่บ้านบ้าน Mor และ 4) ของศูนย์เรียนรู้เกษตรท้องถิ่นในหมู่บ้านบ้าน Morคำสำคัญ: ปัตย์ ส่วนประกอบของนักท่องเที่ยว1. บทนำหมู่บ้านบ้าน Mor เป็นหมู่บ้านการเกษตรจังหวัดสูงสามอำเภอของจังหวัดขอนแก่น ภาคเหนือของประเทศไทยหมู่บ้านนี้ใช้ปรัชญาเศรษฐกิจพอเพียงพัฒนา โดยพระมหากษัตริย์ไทยเป็นแนวคิดพื้นฐานในดำรงชีวิตของเกษตรกร ปรัชญาเศรษฐกิจพอเพียงเน้นวิถีชีวิต (Mongsawad, 2010), ความสมดุล และเพียงพอทางเศรษฐกิจ และสังคมมูลนิธิเพื่อ attaint การพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน (Chalapati, 2008) โอนย้ายจากเกษตรแบบเกษตรอินทรีย์จะเป็นจุดเปลี่ยนสำคัญตามแนวคิดของเศรษฐกิจพอเพียงปรัชญา เนื่องจากเกษตรอินทรีย์เน้นการอนุรักษ์สิ่งแวดล้อม (Ritson & Oughton, 2006) และผลิตภัณฑ์เพื่อสุขภาพสำหรับผู้บริโภค (Walley et al., 2009) ปัจจุบัน หมู่บ้านบ้าน Mor เป็นผักอินทรีย์ผลิตและยังเป็นการเกิดใหม่ปัตย์ นอกจากนั้นรายได้หลักจากการทำนา สถานที่ท่องเที่ยวส่วนสำคัญในระบบเศรษฐกิจชนบทเพื่อเพิ่มเติมความหลากหลายของผลประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจเช่นการเพิ่มจ้างงานและเพิ่มรายได้ (Yang et al., 2010)ปัตย์เป็นผลิตภัณฑ์การท่องเที่ยวซึ่งเป็นพัฒนาการของนักท่องเที่ยวต้อง (Xu, 2010) และมีการบูรณาการประสบการณ์ให้กับผู้บริโภค (Buhalis, 2000) เกี่ยวกับการพัฒนาการท่องเที่ยว คำถามที่สำคัญคือ สิ่งที่ทำให้การประสบความสำเร็จ และน่าจดจำประสบการณ์เที่ยว (Xu, 2010) ในปัตย์ในบ้าน Mor นักวิจัยเน้นหัวข้อความคิดเห็นของนักท่องเที่ยวและความต้องการของนักท่องเที่ยวปัตย์และเสนอแนวทางให้กับปรับปรุงปัตย์ ประการนี้ คำถามที่สองได้ 1 ยก) ความคิดเห็นของนักท่องเที่ยวและความต้องการของนักท่องเที่ยวคืออะไรสำหรับagrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province and 2) What guidelines, should there be toimprove agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.2. Objectives of the Study(1) To study tourists’ opinions and tourists’ demand for agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, KhonKaen Province.(2) To study guidelines to improve agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province. 3. Literature Review3.1 AgrotourismAgrotourism or agritourism is a synonym definition which is the phenomenon of attracting people onto agriculturalholdings (Evans & Ilbery, 1989) which has been recognized world-wide since the early twentieth century (Wicks &Merrett, 2003). Agrotourism is a set of activities in which people link travel with products, services and experiences ofagriculture (Maetzold, 2002). Arroyo et al (2013) defines agrotourism as including agricultural settings, entertainment,farming and education. It is consistent with Flanigan et al. (2014) who proposed that the key characteristics ofagrotourism include a working farm, contact with agricultural activities which are organized by farmers and authenticity oftourists’ agricultural experiences. Therefore, agrotourism is more than a tourism product, but it is also a journey for newsensations, and positive behavior in relation to the environment, the agricultural community and their culture (Lopez &Garcia, 2006).Agrotourism brings to tourists unique experiences during the time they spend in rural areas. They gain respect forthe local customs, local culture and enhance their awareness of the environment and natural products (Lopez & Garcia,2006). Tourists are also looking for facilitate tourism in terms of agricultural areas such as accommodations that ensurepeace and rest (Halfacree, 1993), traditional food, information on agrotourism destinations, safety and security and basicinfrastructures (Kumbhar, 2009).With regard to the local community or farmers, agrotourism is very important to rural communities. It seems to be amechanism to stimulate rural development. Agrotourism intends to obtain quality of living for rural communities throughstimulation of the farmer’s business (Tew & Barbiere, 2012), promoting and creating added value to local products (Zotoet al., 2013) and increasing awareness and preservation of local customs and unique cultural traits (Ollenburg & Buckly,2007).In terms of sustainable tourism, tourism activities should be based on ethical values while taking into account theeconomic, environmental and social impact (Goodwin &Francis, 2003). That is why organic agrotourism was created asan innovative agrotourism. Organic agrotourism combines organic culture which focuses on healthy food with highstandards (Walley et al., 2009) and ecotourism to provide acceptable recreation opportunities without destroying theenvironment (Kuo & Chiu, 2006).3.2 Components of tourism destinationsA local tourism destination is a physical space where tourists choose to stay to experience certain features or attractions(Leiper, 1995). A destination contains a number of basic elements which attract visitors to the destination and whichsatisfy their needs on arrival. There are attractions, public and private amenities, accessibility, human resources, imageand character, and price (World Tourism Organization: UNWTO, 2007). Buhalis (2000) also suggests that there are sixcore components of a destination which include: attractions, accessibility, amenities, available package, activities andancillary services. These are basic factors which have significant impact on the travel-decision process. The componentthat is a fundamental element in a tourism destination is to incorporate tourism products which are capable of meetingtourists’ demands and to create memorable experiences for tourists (Xu, 2010). This seems to be the draw factor tomotivate tourists to select a destination.With regard to tourism management, local residents’ attitudes and perceptions should be considered. Manytourism researchers believe that planners and entrepreneurs must take the view of the host community because theirattitudes and perceptions can have an influence on the successful development of current and future tourism programs(Wang et al., 2009; Williams & Lawson, 2001).
Lastly, advertising also plays an important role in informing, seeking and prompting tourists regarding tourism
products at destinations (Morrison, 2013). Advertising can also be a means to educate tourists about appropriate
behaviors at sensitive sites and to emphasize the cultural or spiritual significance of the destination (Ely, 2013).
In terms of this study, the researchers applied seven (7) aspects including Attitudes, Attractions, Accessibility,
Accommodations, Activities, Amenities, and Advertising to identify tourists’ demand for agrotourism in Ban Mor Village,
Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.
4.1 Population and sample
The participants in this study were as follows:
(1) Thai tourists and international tourists who visited Khon Kaen province. According to the Department of
Tourism (2012), there were 2,048,346 tourist arrivals to Khon Kaen province. Using Yamane’s formula (1973)
and a 95% confidence level, the researcher calculated the sampling size as 423 participants.
(2) Ten experts who have long term experience on agrotourism and agro areas management in Ban Mor Village,
Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province. There were academics, tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of
involved public organizations and local philosophers.
4.2 Study design
Research data was conducted from January 2012 to May 2013 which is described in detail as shown below:
(1) For the quantitative data, questionnaires were created which consisted of three parts 1) Demographic
information of the tourists 2) Tourists’ opinions on agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen
province. 3) Tourists’ demand for agrotourism in Ban Mor Village, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen province.
In terms of statistical analysis of the data, the mean, standard deviation and chi-square test were used.
(2) For the qualitative data, a focus group discussion was organized. Ten experts which included academics,
tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of involved public organizations and local philosophers discussed ways to design
appropriate guidelines to improve agrotourism. Data analysis was used as a descriptive analysis.
4.3 Research area
Ban Mor Village in Sam Sung District of Khon Kaen province is an agricultural village which applies the Sufficiency
Economy Philosophy in rural development step-by-step. There are 196 households which focus on organic farming (Sam
Sung District Agricultural Extension, 2012). Ban Mor Village is well-known as an agricultural area which produces organic
vegetables in Khon Kaen Province and is also emerging as an agotourism destination, too.
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