Promoting and Developing Safe, Health-Conscious Accommodations in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the behavior and needs of tourists; 2) to promote knowledge of entrepreneurs in developing safe accommodation and health-conscious establishments; and 3) to develop safe accommodations and health-conscious establishments through community participation process in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This was a mixed-methods research.  A quantitative sample consisted of 400 people using Yamane's formula and a qualitative sample of 20 people. The statistics used were percentage, mean, standard deviation, focus group discussion, workshop, and non-participatory observation. The results of the research found that 1) the most important factors that tourists used in deciding to choose accommodation were the hotel, room, and location (39.75%). News or information about accommodation in tourism was the hotel website (45.25%), recreational activities (33.40%). Room rates with facilities did not exceed 1,000 baht per day (45.00%). The overall standard of accommodation or health-promoting tourism establishments was at a high level (  = 3.73, S.D. = 0.85), 2) promoting knowledge for entrepreneurs in developing safe accommodation and health-conscious establishments started from joining a network of joint operations, training entrepreneurs, accommodation quality standards for travelers, and hygiene safety standards, Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration: SHA, and 3) there was a development of safe accommodation, health-conscious establishments with community participation, and a joint trial with relevant groups in Wang Mi Subdistrict.