Tourism and local development :the case of Chiang Saen, Chiangrai, Thailand.

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between tourism and development with a particular focus on the effects of development on the historic town of Chiang Saen, located in northern Thailand. This town is currently undergoing profound social, political, and economic change due to the rapid growth of the tourism industry in the region and government plans to promote Chiang Sean as a business hub and as part of the major international development project named the “Greater Maekong Sub-Region” (GMS). The study investigates how these changes affect the local community, in particular examining the perspective of local residents concerning the impact and changes to the local identity of the community as an historic town, its culture and way of life. It documents local resident’s reactions directed at minimising and reducing negative impacts by proposing forms of development which they perceive to be more appropriate because they have less impact on the community and consume fewer resources. According to the study, community-based tourism such as home-stay tourism, cultural tourism, and historical tourism are perceived by local residents to be new forms of tourism, which unlike mass tourism, are not resource intensive. These forms of tourism offer local residents greater opportunities to operate and manage tourism activities themselves and enable them to sustain and conserve their community’s identity. In addition, the study also illustrates that community involvement and participation in development are perceived by local residents to be key in achieving successful community development.