ECOTOURISM COMMUNITY IN THE NORTHERN OF THAILAND

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to study ecotourism community management in the Northern of Thailand; and to determine Factors influencing tourists’ decision to visit ecotourism community in the Northern Thailand. The conceptual framework was based on ecotourism motivation theory and Push-Pull model. Research methodologies consisted of in-depth interview and the survey technique using stratified random sampling to select 398 touri sts in six ecotourism communities including Baan Mae Kompong, Baan Mae Krang Luang, Baan Pong, Baan Pameang, Baan Mae Lana, and Baan Jabo, to answer self-reported questionnaire. Data were analyzed by linear regression model, poisson regression model, and zero inflated poisson regression model. The results revealed that community leader must settle agreement with ecotourism business operators in the community to follow and implement the community ecotourism regulations in order to have sustainable ecotourism in the community; and major pull Factors affecting decision to visit the community consisted of accessibility, amenities, and activities while beautiful nature and culture were the two minor affecting Factors. The findings also indicated that accessibilit y, activities, and cultural were attracted Factors determining tourist’s decision to overnight-stayed in the ecotourism communities.