Lessons and an integrated approach to creative tourism development

Authors

  • Yuwadee Wongweeraprasert Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resource, Thammasat University

Keywords:

Development, Creative Tourism, Integration

Abstract

Creative tourism has emerged as a transformative form of tourism that foregrounds value creation derived from local identities, ways of life, and local wisdom. It plays a pivotal role in revitalizing cultural heritage and enhancing community awareness of its intrinsic value. This study examines the development trajectories of creative tourism across Asia through a comparative analysis of state-driven (top-down) and community-driven (bottom-up) approaches. Drawing upon documentary analysis and comparative case studies, the findings indicate that top-down strategies provide strategic direction, institutional coherence, and infrastructural readiness, whereas bottom-up approaches cultivate participation, local ownership, and the safeguarding of cultural distinctiveness. Nevertheless, both approaches exhibit inherent constraints. The study therefore argues for an integrated, balanced model that synthesizes policy-level frameworks with grassroots dynamics to advance meaningful tourist experiences while strengthening community empowerment and fostering long-term economic and cultural sustainability.

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Published

2025-12-29

How to Cite

Wongweeraprasert, Y. (2025). Lessons and an integrated approach to creative tourism development . Journal of Integrated Sciences, 22(2), 66–83. retrieved from https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/citujournal/article/view/284216

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Section

Academics Articles