Participatory Process Model for Developing Temples into Meditation Tourism Destinations for Temples and the People of Lampang Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) explore the conditions of meditation-based tourism development, 2) study the participatory process in developing temples as meditation tourism destinations, and 3) analyze and propose a participatory model for the development of temples as meditation tourism destinations by temples and communities in Lampang Province. The study employed a mixed methods approach. The quantitative study was conducted with 165 tourists using questionnaires as a research tool. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and the findings were presented in both tables and descriptive form. The qualitative study was carried out with 30 key informants, including monks, local people, and tourists, who were selected purposively, and 12 participants in a focus group discussion consisting of monks, laypersons, and Buddhist scholars. The research instruments included semi-structured interviews, observation, and group discussion. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The findings revealed that

1)The conditions of meditation-based tourism development in Lampang Province were at a high to very high level. The environmental dimension of temples was rated at a high level (x̄=4.20), service dimension at a high level (x̄=4.18), media and symbols dimension at the highest level (x̄=4.30), and learning resources dimension at the highest level (x̄=4.30).

2) Regarding the participatory development process, it was found that the temples promoted motivation among tourists, improved facilities to meet the needs of visitors, designed appropriate models for meditation practice, and planned operations focusing on cleanliness and safety in accommodating practitioners.

3) The participatory model derived from this study comprised five main aspects: 1) establishing learning centers and developing meditation training curricula with meditation masters leading academic guidance, 2) developing temples into meditation training centers with environments conducive to practice, 3) producing media for diverse public relations and information dissemination, 4) providing facilities and amenities for tourists, and 5) coordinating cooperation with communities and meditation center networks to achieve sustainable development.