A STUDY OF READINESS FOR HEALTH TOURISM MANAGEMENT IN SAMUTPRAKARN PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to study the components of health tourism attractions in Samut Prakan Province, the needs of tourists in health tourism in Samut Prakan Province, and the readiness to manage health tourism in Samut Prakan Province. It is a mixed-method research. The sample consists of 400 tourists who visited Samut Prakan Province in 2023, selected by chance. The key informants are health entrepreneurs in Samut Prakan Province. The research instruments used are questionnaires, observation records, and structured interviews. Data were collected using questionnaires, observation records, and structured interviews. The statistics used in the research and data analysis were percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results of the research found that the components of health tourism attractions in Samut Prakan Province include: tourism attractions, various types of spa services to choose from; access to tourist attractions, there are many convenient roads; facilities such as electricity, tap water, roads, and communication systems; accommodation, there are sufficient accommodations to meet the needs of tourists; tourist activities, there are souvenir shops for tourists; tourist needs in health tourism include general spa and Thai massage services; and readiness to manage health tourism, including: area, convenient, fast, and safe access routes; management There is sufficient and appropriate space for sitting and relaxing. In terms of activities, there is a consistency between local tourist activities and the resources of the tourist attraction. In terms of participation, tourists can participate in all activities in the health tourism attraction according to their interests.