The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Buddhist Tourism : A Case Study of Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were 1) study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on buddhist tourism : A case study of Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan temple, Phitsanulok province, and 2) make recommendations on Buddhist tourism guidelines: a case study of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, Phitsanulok province in the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was a qualitative research. Sampling group of 15 key informants using purposive sampling. The tools of this research were interview and statistical analysis of content by using a triangulation method.
          The following were the results:
          1. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on buddhist tourism : A case study of Wat Phra Si Rattana Woramahawihan temple. There were (1) Economy, people and tourists rarely visit the temple, resulting in reduced food and factors contributing for fear of getting caught. The COVID-19 disease therefore did not dare to leave the house, causing the income to be greatly reduced compared to the period without COVID-19, (2) Social, it's a difficult time for everyone. To get through this, have to fight both yourself and life in society that is in crisis. Since the temple is the center of people and Thai society for a long time until today, and (3) Environment, inside the temple is lonely, no tourists come to make merit because people do not dare to leave the house. And there are not many cars on the road because everyone is afraid of COVID-19.
          2. Recommendations for buddhist tourism guideline found that (1) Economic, aspect assistance and remedies are covered in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health, (2) Social, financial assistance career building promotion and the use of measures to help with the cost of living including adaptation to avoid COVID-19, and (3) Environment, development of directions for driving environmental health policies and strategies.