Development of Buddhist tourism model for the elderly, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

         This research article aims : 1) to study the Buddhist tourism model for the elderly, Maha Sarakham Province, 2) to develop activities and management of Buddhist tourism to support the elderly society, Maha Sarakham Province, and 3) to strengthen the network of management of Buddhist tourism to support the elderly society, Maha Sarakham Province. This research is a mixed-method research namely, qualitative research using focus group discussions and interviews with 23 people (monks and laities) involved quantitative research using a questionnaire with 400 elderly people, and participatory action research by using a Buddhist tourism action kit for the elderly. The research results are presented in a descriptive and analytical manner.

The research results found that :

Buddhist tourism for the elderly, Maha Sarakham Province is divided into 4 models: 1) physical tourism model (Buddhist tourism and Buddhist health tourism), 2) social tourism and Buddhist ecotourism, 3) spiritual tourism, and 4) Buddhist wisdom tourism.

Developing activities and management of Buddhist tourism to support the elderly society, Maha Sarakham Province by surveying quantitative opinions on 10 popular tourist temples for the elderly. The development process of Buddhist tourism activities and management processes for the elderly consists of 10 parts, there are developing Buddhist tourism resources, developing tourism factors, developing facilities related to Buddhist tourism, developing Buddhist tourism models suitable for the elderly, developing Buddhist tourism activities for the elderly, developing tourism management, developing tourism technology, developing safety in Buddhist tourist attractions, developing tourist services, and developing Buddhist tourism networks for the elderly.

Strengthening the network of management of Buddhist tourism to support the elderly society, Maha Sarakham Province by using the process of exchanging knowledge, developing network cooperation, developing Buddhist tourism potential, creating opportunities for Buddhist tourism, promoting sustainable tourism, creating opportunities to disseminate Buddhism, developing tourism models and activities, developing creative tourism areas, and developing the grassroots economy.