Cultural Capital and Development of Creative Tourism Management of Ban Na Or Community, Na Or Sub-district, Mueang District, Loei Province.

Abstract

      This research aims to examine the cultural capital of Ban Na Or community, Na Or Sub-district, Mueang District, Loei Province, that can be direction to the management of creative tourism. The study employs a survey research approach, collecting data from media sources, publications, documents, and previous studies related to creative tourism based on community-based management produced by government agencies, the private sector, the community, and other stakeholders associated with Ban Na Or Community and data were also collected from selected participants through purposive sampling, in which the researcher exercised judgment and professional expertise to select informants whose characteristics were closely aligned with the research objectives, in order to obtain high-quality, in-depth information. The methods of data collection included in-depth interviews with target groups and participant observation of community activities designed as creative tourism experiences for visitors.

     The findings indicate that Ban Na Or Community possesses a wide range of cultural capital, including the Loei Tai Lue language, the Heet Sib Song (Twelve-Month Traditions), Tai Lue textile weaving, wood carving, local architecture (traditional houses), the Bun Khao Jee Festival in the third lunar month, and a distinctive cultural–ecological landscape. The community’s way of life is characterized by competence, simplicity, and hospitality, which together constitute tourism resources with strong identity and distinctiveness, capable of creating memorable experiences for tourists. The results further suggest that the diverse and unique cultural capital of Ban Na Or Community has strong potential for the development of creative tourism activities.