Abstract:
Although the pandemic of Covid-19 has greatly impacted tourism and the hospitality industry both globally and locally, the wellness industry within has exhibited continual growth as Thai people become more health conscious. Having high potential geographically and being abundant with natural attractions correlating to the health travelers behavior, Chantaburi has been developing infrastructures aimed at becoming a wellness tourism destination in the near future. The research objective is to identify key behaviors of the sample group of wellness tourists and their willingness to stay at small hotels in the province of Chantaburi in order to create a business strategy that optimizes services and facilities of the hotels. The qualitative study is obtained from an online questionnaire completed by 313 travelers, considering factors such as demographics, travel behaviors, health and wellness activities of interests. The statistical results are then compared to the existing services and wellness facilities of the small hotels of Chantaburi to suggest improvements and optimization. The research demonstrated that the majority of the sampling group is female, aged 60 - 79 years old. The group is equally constructed of retirees as well as employees of private companies. The education level is higher than bachelors degree with an average monthly income of 20,001 - 40,000 Bath. From the analysis, the potential samples who are willing to spend a night at local small hotels are those who senior travelers who are interested in the local activities and attractions of Chantaburi, including climbling Khao Khitchakut and visiting the Local Community. These seniors are mainly female with an average monthly income of 20,000 - 40,000 Bath, traveling with 6-11 friends. The length of stay is 2 nights. The traveling budget per person is 2,001 - 4,000 Bath. The trip is during weekdays and the mode of transportation is via personal car. The wellness activities and services desired by this group include: 1) a tour guide, particularly for homestay attractions; 2) A shuttle service, particularly for the natural and local community attractions; and 3) In-hotel services, particularly the Thai and aroma therapy massages. These preferred activities and services aligned with daily behaviors of seniors in general that do not require much physical stamina. Finally, the suggestion for small hotels in developing the wellness services and activities are; 1) creating partnership models with local businesses or communities; and 2) refurbishing or redeveloping hotel usable areas, including leasing potential areas to local wellness operators, such as Thai massages. These methods to improve wellness activities and services would attract the target group in choosing small hotels in the province of Chantaburi.