Integrative Participatory Community-Based Ecotourism at Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province, Thailand

The main objective of this study was to initiate integrative participatory community-based ecotourism development at a tourist destination. Therefore, Participatory Action Research (PAR) was applied to Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province. Tools and techniques such as observation, in-depth interview, preliminary meetings, inter-group meetings and workshops were used to gain stakeholders' participation. During the PAR process, community-based ecotourism plans were draft and revised by stakeholders, which included public and private sectors at the destination. The implementations of the plans were well supported by stakeholders, especially local residents. Besides gaining local participation and enhancing stakeholders' awareness in tourism environmental (natural, social and culture) conservation, the outcomes from the PAR process included enhancing tourist carrying capacity, empowering local residents in decision making towards community tourism issues, and some new local products with local branding. Thus, community-based ecotourism can be defined as a type of sustainable tourism because in this study, it was not only empowered local residents to make decision in tourism planning in their jurisdictions but also strengthen social and human capital at the destination which would forward to the next generation for continuing tourism development. (C) The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.