A GUIDELINE FOR ACCOMMODATION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN PHETCHABURI PROVINCE IN PREPARATION FOR FORMULATING A SERVICE STANDARD FOR SENIOR TOURIST GROUPS

Abstract

            The study of a Guideline for Accommodation Business Development in Phetchaburi Province in Preparation for Formulating a Service Standard for Senior Tourist Groups, is aimed to 1) assess the potential of accommodation business development in Phetchaburi Province for senior tourist groups; 2) measure behaviors and needs of tourists towards accommodation business development in Phetchaburi Province for senior tourist groups; and 3) evaluate the guideline for accommodation business development in Phetchaburi Province to correspond to the needs of senior tourist groups. The sampling respondents were 400 senior tourists traveling and staying overnight in Phetchaburi Province whereby the coincident sampling technique was used, and the research instrument was a questionnaire. The value of the questionnaire reliability was 0.891. The deployed analytical statistics was namely frequency, percentage, average, deviation standard and analysis of different values between variables. The study result was found that 1) The potential of accommodation business in Phetchaburi Province revealed the overall mean value at the moderate level, while the potential of environmental and facilitating business was at the top level of mean value, followed by the management respectively. 2) The seniors traveling around and staying overnights in Phetchaburi areas, preferred to travel by private cars and tourist coaches. They spent one or two nights in Phetchaburi mostly on public holidays and weekends. The accommodation rates ranging from 501-1,000 Baht which were affordable, while the accommodations were easily accessible and adequate for the seniors’ needs. It was also found that the needs of the senior tourist groups towards the accommodation business in Phetchaburi areas, were generally at the top level. When considered each aspect, it was shown that the top aspect needed by the seniors, was management, followed by environmental and facilitating, and services respectively. 3) The guideline for accommodation business in Phetchaburi areas, had to be improved in terms of provision of qualified service providers for the seniors; an Updated Elder Services Guide Info in written form; household remedies and quality sets of nursing/first aids kits. Moreover, it was necessary to have such humble and polite service providers for the senior tourists including standard handrails and direction signs indicating all of the elderly’s facilities.