Abstract:
The research aims to 1) study conceptualization of ecotourism development strategy, and 2) develop people participation in Eco-tourism in Tanbon Bang Poe, Muang District, Surat Thani Province. The study is qualitative action research. The sample of this research was consisted of family leaders or representative who resides in Tambon Bang Poe, Muang District, Surat Thani Province. There were thirty-nine subjects selected by using specific sampling. Document Research, In-depth Interview, Focus Group Discussion and Future Search Conference technique (F.S.C) were utilized as research instruments. Data collection was analyzed by using Content Analysis. The results of the study were summarized as following.
The findings were shown that Tambon Pang poe was a potential area to be supported and developed to Eco-tourism as well. Due to its geography, Tambon Bang Poe is a basin area which is flew by many rivers. Thus, the area is known as Klong Roy Sai, a hundred rivers. It also derived a motto of the community in the tourism as Chom Nok, Tok Poo, Doo Hing Hoy, Roy Sai, Long Bang, or Bird Sight, Crab chasing, Firefly visiting, Hundred Rivers Float. There are various kinds of trees and plants along two river banks and a lot of fireflies and birds dwelling in the public areas of Tambon Bang Poe. It was also an area of aquarium animal cultivation. Peoples way of life in the past was easy-going which was harmony into the nature. They reside following their ancestors and original traditions and cultures.
The results in people participation in Eco-tourism development strategy in Tambon Bang Poe, Muang District, Surat Thani Province were summarized as follow. People participation in Eco-tourism development strategy plan could specify three strategies, eight projects applied in activities and projects to work on Eco-tourism in the future. Firstly, promoting Eco-tourism strategies are consisted of four projects; promoting Eco-tourism information, promoting Eco-tourism activities, promoting and rehabilitating tradition, culture and wisdom, and promoting the awareness in community environment and natural resources conservation. Secondly, promoting Eco-tourism strategies are combined of four projects; training natural agriculture cultivation, training professions in environmental conservation, and promoting the information of sufficiency economy. Lastly, promoting tourism public relation strategy is composed of one project; material management in public relation of natural resources and environment conservation.