Networking for Cultural Tourism Management bothTemples and Communities in Lanna

Abstract

This research entitled "Networking for Cultural Tourism Management both Temples and Communities in Lanna" has the objectives 1) to study the concept of networking for cultural tourism management both temples and communities in Lanna, 2) to study the pattern of networking for tourism management both temples and communities in Lanna, and 3) to analyze the approach for cultural tourism management both temples and communities in Lanna. This study is the qualitative research by using focus group and collecting data from representatives of temples, community leaders and people in the area of 3 provinces, including Nan province, Chiang Rai province and Chiang Mai.

The findings of this research as follows:

Both temples and communities in Lanna has the historical identity, outstanding religious objects, cultures and architectures that has difference from general temple. The temples has an internal network, including people in the community, government sector is near the temple and an external network, including government sector and private sector consist of Local Administrative Organization, Provincial Administrative Organization, Office of Buddhism, Provincial Tourist Office, Cultural Office, University, Language Institute, Independent Organizations and general people.

Tourism management both temples and communities in Lanna, the temples use a participatory network model, the network with different kinds of activities, the network that members of different branches and activities in order to cooperate in the activities, collaborate to help each other. The working obstacles and problems are to support the activities that is discontinuous.

Cultural tourism management of temples and communities in Lanna should enhance knowledge for personnel within community in order to underlie the activities of tourism management, to allocate a temple's area for maximum benefit and to develop a network to strengthen with various religious activities. The temples must bring a characteristic identity, to publicize. Various government and private sectors have to help and push forward successful activities and should use three measures, including 1) taking legal measures, 2) community, and 3) academic measures and various networks must have participation in helping development both education for people and design support to adjust the temple landscape. The network participation is to share ideas, collaborate, plan, receive benefits and share responsibility.