Religion and Culture: Identity Utilization of the Tourist Resource Bases in Surin Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were to study the identity, development, creating added value of tourism resources, and utilization of tourism resource identities in tourist villages in Surin Province. Method of research was to collect data from documents, observation, interview and small group discussion. There were 41 informants. The research instruments were document record, observation, interview, and group discussion. Data was done by descriptive Analysis. The findings were found that 1) Identity of tourism resources in the tourist villages of Surin province i.e. the villages of Elephant, silks, beads, Prasat Khmer group, and Buddhist temples had the significant tourism resources comprised of the housing characteristics, the local food, the local products, the local tradition, the tourism activities, the tourist attractions, the religious places, and the religious objects: 2) The development of tourism resources comprised of creation of uniqueness, interesting and attractive presentation, product quality packaging, preparation for getting standard accreditation, reproducible products of similar quantity and quality, finding out the marketing channels, and preserving local food menus: 3) Creating added values of tourism resources emphasized on response to customer needs, selling pointed products, raw material selection, process of production, packaging, selling channels, product branding, and consumers access: 4) Utilization of the tourism resources comprised of the following aspects; the economy aspect i.e. a source of foreign currency incomes, creating job and incomes, and bringing of conservation of arts, cultures, and traditions; the political aspect i.e. to create a good image for people in the nation and abroad; the social aspect i.e. preserving culture and local traditions, and leading to landscape development and beautiful environment.