Designing Sustainable Gastronomic Tourism Itineraries in Bang Krasop, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

         This mixed-methods research aimed to (1) analyze the environment of gastronomic tourism attractions, (2) design sustainable gastronomic tourism itineraries, and (3) assess the readiness and feasibility of community involvement in developing sustainable gastronomic tourism routes in Bang Krasop Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. Primary data were collected via mixed sampling methods, consisting of purposive sampling from 18 MBA students and 11 community members, and convenience sampling from 19 Thai tourists, totaling 48 participants. Research instruments included participant observation, tourist satisfaction surveys, and self-assessment questionnaires for Bang Krasop community members involved in the tourism route development. Content analysis was employed for qualitative data, while quantitative data from satisfaction surveys and self-assessment questionnaires were analyzed using mean and standard deviation.

          The findings revealed that gastronomic tourism in Bang Krasop enhanced diverse tourist experiences and effectively promoted the local economy. Overall, tourist satisfaction with sustainable gastronomic tourism in Bang Krasop was at a very high level (x̅ = 4.6, SD = 0.12). Additionally, the community demonstrated a high level of readiness and feasibility for developing sustainable gastronomic tourism routes ( x̅= 4.2, SD = 0.18). This research provides valuable insights for the planning and development of gastronomic tourism in other areas and serves as a guideline for strengthening local communities.