Development of Collaborative Mechanisms and Community Network Systems for Creative Cultural Tourism: A Case Study of Nakhon Thai Subdistrict, Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand

Background and Objectives: Creative tourism involves travel that emphasizes engagement with and experience of a place’s cultural heritage, arts, and unique characteristics. It fosters meaningful connections between local residents and tourists through active participation in living culture, as defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This research aims to examine the development of community cooperation mechanisms and community networks rooted in creative cultural tourism, considering both internal and external perspectives. The study focuses on Nakhon Thai subdistrict, Nakhon Thai district, Phitsanulok province, and has three main objectives: 1) to analyze the systems of cooperation and community networks related to creative cultural tourism, 2) to explore models and approaches for fostering collaboration within community-based network systems founded on creative cultural tourism, with active participation from all sectors in the development of tourism in Nakhon Thai subdistrict, and 3) to develop strategic frameworks or policy recommendations at the community level by fostering cooperation and encourage the active participation of community networks in Nakhon Thai subdistrict. Methods: The researcher utilized qualitative research methods, gathering data through purposive sampling via semi-structured interviews with three distinct groups of informants: 15 government officials, 5 community members, and 3 representatives from private businesses. Additionally, focus group discussions and pertinent document reviews were conducted. The data were analyzed through content analysis to synthesize findings and present the study results in a systematic and comprehensive way. Results: The development of creative cultural tourism in Nakhon Thai district, Phitsanulok, shows collaboration between the government, local administrative organizations, communities, business sector, and educational institutions. In terms of policy, cultural preservation, infrastructural development, and tourist activities, every sector supports one another. The link with nearby provinces and universities helps increase the tourism potential. The area possessing significant cultural assets and local resources can be further developed in the long term. Success depends on community involvement at every level, necessitating decentralization of authority, support of local products, and ongoing creative activities to raise Nakhon Thai district as a sustainable cultural tourism destination in the future. Application of this study: The policy proposals center on building local cooperation systems by means of a tourist development committee comprising representatives of the government, business sector, and community. Together, this group will plan, address issues, and methodically track results, coupling practice-based learning activities like weaving, local food, and cultural storytelling. The networks of community product manufacturers and monthly cultural markets should be supported to promote inclusive and balanced income distribution. Moreover, a cultural learning center ought to be established in cooperation with nearby universities to compile local knowledge and lead to the creation of high-value tourism. Conclusions: The development of creative cultural tourism in Nakhon Thai subdistrict resulted from the cooperation of several sectors by emphasizing on local identity and creative activities. Important strategies include raising involvement, building infrastructure, supporting OTOP (One Tambon One Product), and effective resource management for community sustainability.