Achievement Characteristics of Community-Based Tourism Management: The Case Studies of Baan Rai Kong Khing and Ban Mae Kampong Community in Chiangmai Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the components of successful community-based tourism management and 2) to study the favorable conditions of successful community-based tourism management in Chiang Mai province. The case studies were 2 communities, including ‘Baan Rai Kong Khing’, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province and ‘Ban Mae Kampong’, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province. The qualitative research methods, namely observations, in-depth interviews and focus groups were employed. The informants included 1) 18 people having knowledge about community management, 2) 20 people working in community-based tourism, and 3) 40 people receiving community-based tourism services. Three step of qualitative research data analysis, namely data organization, data display and triangulation were employed. The results showed that there was the achievement of tourism management in both communities which can be considered from the five successful indicators as follows: 1) number of tourists, 2) increased income and fair income distribution, 3) better quality of people living in the community, 4) environmental conservation in the community and 5) preservation of local culture. The conditions affecting the success of community-based tourism management were 1) strategic planning of responsible persons for tourist attractions, 2) tourism resource management in the dimensions of both beautiful nature and cultural heritage, 3) management of service quality, 4) leaders with transformational leadership, 5) social capital, consisting of trust, norm, and network of community and 6) external support from agencies both in the government and private sectors in terms of budget, marketing, knowledge, media, and public relations.