Participatory Assessment of Ecotourism Potential at Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area: A Case Study of Ban Hadkai Village, Thapabad District, Bolikhamxai Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

This study used an area assessment technique and community interviews as the key tools to achieve the study objectives—namely, to assess the potential of the area for ecotourism establishment; to examine the local needs and readiness of the community to participate in the ecotourism management; and to examine factors affecting the opinions of community participation in the ecotourism plan. To assess the potential for ecotourism, the assessment guide and community readiness, 75 respondents were selected and interviewed. The responses were then analyzed statistically using maximum, percentage, and mean values. In addition, hypotheses were developed and tested using the Chi-square analysis technique in order to determine relationships between variables.

The site assessment using four ecotourism criteria showed 61% suitability, which was considered to be relatively positive regarding the decision for development. In addition, the interviews to promote community participation in the ecotourism plan were also used to assess the local needs and readiness. The results depict the highest level (3.44) of local needs with the high level (2.69) of readiness for lodging facilities, such as home stays average, the highest level (3.51) of local needs and the high level (3.03) of readiness for tour guides and the high level (3.19) of local needs and the medium level (2.05) of readiness for event services for tourists, such as the provision of souvenirs and cultural gifts. 

Furthermore, the study determined that the need for government support in four activities was at the medium level. The results showed an average of 2.00 for accommodation (home stays), 2.00 for tour guides, 2.01 for infrastructure development, and 2.00 for the provision of goods and services. Finally, the results of hypothesis testing on statistical significance at the 0.05 level indicated no significant difference in responses based on the gender and readiness of tour guides service, age needs to provide accommodation, age needs to provide tour guides, age and readiness to provide tour guides, occupational needs to provide accommodation, and income in the availability of accommodation.

Keywords: assessing potential, ecotourism, local community participation, Laos