Patterns that Affect Success for Sustainable Ecotourism Management of Bang Krachao Community in Samut Prakarn Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to (1) study the potential of sustainable ecotourism at Bang Krachao community at Samut Prakarn province (2) study the factors affecting to the success of sustainable ecotourism management of Bang Krachao community at Samut Prakarn province. Research methodology was qualitative research with 25 key informants who involved with eco-tourism development of Bang Krachao community at Samut Prakarn province. The  research tools were tourism resources checklists, in-depth interview form, and questionnaires. According to the research results, it was found that (1) the potential ecotourism attractions of Bang Krachao community at Samut Prakarn province are Sri Nakhon Kheankan park, Chaloem Phrakiat 80 Phansa Park, Sprout-  growing station, Bang Krachao canal, Thai fighting fish museum, Colorful mushroom farm, Song Kanong Park, Lum Phu Park (Bang Krasop), Firefly-seeing site, Bang Nam Pung Park, and Bang Nam Pung Market (2) the result of potential analysis found that this area was high potential and good economic opportunity because it was considered to be the gateway to ecotourism with biological diversity together with producing local products of the community for sales and  become the source for producing agricultural products, such as fruits and vegetables. There were land transportation system, such as Kanchanapisek Road, Bhumibol Bridge, while water transportation comprised of Chao Phraya River which can be connected to other regions. Moreover, it also close to air transportation (Suvarnabhumi Airport). The important local cultural and traditional identity such as the swan-showing tradition-centipede flag festival, SongKran festival which was a famous tradition both in the national and international levels. It was also abundant with natural resources and environment, especially forest areas which can be called the lung of Bangkok  (3) The results of stakeholders opinions such as government sector, private sector, people, and travelers were influenced to the success of sustainable ecotourism management of Bang Krachao community at Samut Prakarn province. It was also found that the abundance and   biological diversity of natural resources at Bang Krachao river in Samut Prakarn province play an important role to supporting the success of sustainable ecotourism management of Bang Krachao community at Samut Prakarn province. However, two factors which were 1) Ecotourism management and 2) Sustainable tourism    management in Samut Prakarn province were suitable for providing any ecotourism activities that focus on environmental friendly as well as implanting consciousness through the activities that can promote valuable experiences of the ravelers and the process of stakeholders   participation.