The Effects of Economic Factors on Sustainable Community-Based Tourism in Upper Northeast Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to study the effects of economic factors on the success of sustainable tourism development in communities in Upper Northeast Thailand, as well as to study the indicators of success for sustainable tourism development in communities in the area. A questionnaire was used to collect 400 samples from four provinces: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom. Quota sampling was used to ensure 100 samples per province along with convenience sampling. Exploration factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were carried out. The results revealed that the economic factors affected the success of sustainable tourism development in the communities, which was measured by the indicators of community-based tourism (CBT) in all five dimensions. The indicators in the dimension of sustainable tourism management had the greatest influence on sustainable tourism development. The results suggest that the concerned agencies should set economic motivation policies and should educate about quality community management and development to help expand the economy in the communities in order to create income, generate employment, and increase the standard of living for people in the communities.