A COMPETENCY ENHANCEMENT MODEL OF SMALL-SCALE RESORT ENTREPRENEURS IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

Small-scale resorts in secondary town are on factor that can help boost tourism in secondary, making the local economy to grow. It makes people in such towns earn more income and reduce of unemployment. This study investigated whether sustainability community economy could be achived. Since resorts have continuously accommodated tourists. Small-scale resort entrepreneurs play an important role in achieving economic towns. In this research study the Samut Songkhram province was selected as the geographical area of study. It is the smallest province in Thailand with many small-scale resorts. The ogjective was to find out characteristics of small-scale resorts, to analize the current competency enhancement model for resort entrepreneurs and to evaluate the competency of small-scale resort entrepreneues in Samut Songkhram province. In order to develop a competency enhancement model of small-scale resort Entrepreneurs in Samut Songkhram, Thailand.

Most small-scale resort were found to have an area of 15-20 sqm., a minimum of 20 rooms, 5 staffs for front office, reception, housekeeping and kitchen, room rate of around 1,000 baht per night equipped with basic facilities and maximun of investment of 15 million baht. In the current competency enhancement model of resort entrepreneurs training at the earlier stage was offered several times agencies concerned. Then it hasn’t been continuous for many years. Result of the evaluation of the entrepreneur in 8 competencies by the employees in the resort, Showed that was the aspects had high scores, i.e., specific knowledge, management skills, self-Image, leadership, traits, social role and problem solving. Only motivation had a moderate score.

Therefore, a model of competency enhancement of small scale resort entrepreneurs in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand needs to enhanced to achieve the goal. Firstly, a survey of training needs of resort entrepreneurs is necessary to develop the knowledge of 8 competencies so that they can apply the knowledge gained to their own business practice. Finally, the evaluation of the competencies development must be made.

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