Development of a metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) develop a metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province 2) assess the suitability of the metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism, and 3) study the satisfaction of using the metaverse model of Phu-Thai cultural tourism. This research adopted a qualitative study approach. The research method comprised three steps: 1) developing a model synthesis using document synthesis techniques, 2) assessing the suitability of the metaverse model with input from 9 experts, and 3) implementing the metaverse model for Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai. The target group for the study included 400 tourists in the Mueang Nakhon Phanom area who used the metaverse model of Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai between November 2022 and January 2023, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included: 1) a form for synthesizing the data, 2) a suitability assessment form, and 3) a web application satisfaction questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the collected data involved calculating the mean and standard deviation. The results indicated that the development of the metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province comprised three elements: 1) cultural architecture, 2) local wisdom identity, and 3) creative local community. The developed metaverse model of Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai was found to be highly suitable for use (mean = 4.17, standard deviation = 0.54). Moreover, satisfaction with the developed metaverse model was high (mean = 4.30, standard deviation = 0.76). Suggestions for improvement included adding a distance calculation section and a map of nearby places to aid tourists in deciding whether they could travel at their desired time using the metaverse model.