Abstract:
This research aims to 1) analyze the needs of the elderly tourists towards tourist attractions in the lower northeastern region of Thailand, 2) assess the potential of tourist attractions in the lower northeastern region that match the needs of elderly tourists, and 3) to suggest the guidelines of tourism management for the elderly tourists. This research was both the qualitative and quantitative research. The research tools consisted of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews which the sample consisted of 400 elderly selected by accidental sampling. The study of needs and behavior assessment of the elderly tourists found that most of the elderly (32%) needed to travel for leisure, each trip usually takes 1 day. The travel time was usually on holidays / public holidays and mostly travel with family or relatives. The most of elderly tourists were travel by car with less than 1,000 baht budget. The elderly placed their most importance on facilities for the elderly (x̅= 4.58, S.D.= 0.66) such as parking, sidewalks, pedestrians, and toilets. The result of the potential of elderly tourist attractions evaluated according to the universal design principles in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram and Surin, 10 locations in each province, found that 50 percent of tourist attractions still lacked universal design principles, especially the facilities outside buildings. The guidelines for managing elderly tourist attractions in the lower northeastern region were the facilities adjustment such as restrooms, ramps, parking, landscape adjustment, cleanliness, safety, signs and public relations information in various channels. Furthermore, more tourism activities that are suitable for the elderly in tourist attractions should be developed and the travel routes to connect with famous tourist spots should be established, especially connecting tourist routes for one day trip. Moreover, information technology should be used more to promote the tourist attractions and share tourism information.