Abstract
This research was aimed at studying the characteristics of Thai tourist who were taking a slow trip along the Khmer cultural routes in Thailand. It focuses on two aspects of touring: touring characteristics and touring behaviors. The framework of this study is based on a review of the existing literature in the related fields. It was observed that taking slow trip results in an alteration with regards to the tourists’ behaviors and the forms of tourism. To be more specific, slow trip takers tend to take their time while traveling, and this enables them to appreciate more about the places along the way. Furthermore, slow trips can help tourists to gain a better understanding about the places they are visiting (Ranee Esichaikul & Chatchapol Songsungthonwong, 2012). Obtaining sufficient information about the characteristics of this type of tourists can help tourism entrepreneurs to prepare goods and services that appropriately serve the needs of this particular group of tourists. This research is confined to the quantitative research discipline. Questionnaires were distributed to Thai slow trip takers and the data was analyzed using factor analysis. The factor analysis results help to classify the slow trip takers into 12 groups based on their characteristics as follows: touring objectives, perception and expectation about the tour, knowledge and experience, touring activities, touring flexibility, quest to learn new things & the state of being an explorer, cultural differences, learning skills, concerns about the well-being of nature, awareness of conservationism, selection of accommodation, and curiosity. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2p418
Highlights
The rapid growth of tourism and infra-structure affected the environment and natural resources including the tourism vehicle that caused an increase of carbon hydroxide in the air
Data from the questionnaire was found to have a Kaiser-Myer-Olkin Measure (KMO) value of 0.902 which is higher than 0.5 and is rounding up to 1. This value shows that the obtained data is appropriate to be used for Factor Analysis
The result of factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), turning its axis using the Varimx method, shows 12 factors or around 62 variables that affect the state of being slow tourists (See Tables 2)
Summary
The rapid growth of tourism and infra-structure affected the environment and natural resources including the tourism vehicle that caused an increase of carbon hydroxide in the air. Research results in tourism industry showed that transportation released the highest amount of carbon hydroxide at 87 per cent, followed by 9.1 per cent from the accommodations and 4 per cent from tourism activities respectively ( Peters,2007) [2] These causes affected the climate change, environment and sea level. Slow Tourism was a result from an anti-fast food in Italy in 1986 This event aimed to protect nutritious consumption, preserve local cuisine tradition and support local livestock affecting local ecosystem, slow food trend occurred. The tourism attractions should offer, invite and create program and activities based on the route, for example trekking, cycling in rural sites, visiting ancient community and interacting with local people in the tourism activities This slow tourism was considered new target market for tourists who needed new experience. All tourism stakeholders should disseminate knowledge about sustainable tourism used in environment, social and economic including creating campaign in environmental friendly tourism and social responsibility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
