The concept of the Metaverse is used to explore how the Tah Khien Tia community can implement a virtual community-based tourism. The community’s tourism activities are categorised into real and virtual experiences. A case study is also introduced to demonstrate how the Metaverse concept supports virtual community-based tourism, as highlighted in preliminary research that examines the phenomenon by exploring the relationship between community-based tourism and the Metaverse. The project aims to develop a platform that further connects and explores market demand across different tourist segments to create digital media for Tha Khien Tia community tourism.
Project Coordinator: Dr.Tinikan Sungsuwan, Dr.Netdao Chaiyakhet, Asst.Prof.Dr.Chavana Angkanurakbun, Asst.Prof.Dr.Natthakan Pruksorranan and Asst.Prof.Dr.Prajak Jitngernmadan
Objectives:
This research aims to study the resources and community-based tourism activities of the Tha Khien Tia community. To examine the key elements that define the characteristics of the Metaverse in community-based tourism of the Tha Khien Tia community. To develop community-based tourism activities in the Tha Khien Tia community using Metaverse technology. To study the satisfaction with sustainable community-based tourism using Metaverse technology. And create multimedia content using Metaverse technology to promote community-based tourism in the Takhian Tia community of Chonburi Province.
Program Activities:
This research aims to study and collect data on cultural tourism activities and local intangible heritage by conducting on-site fieldwork, including interviews with stakeholders involved in community-based tourism, document analysis and literature review. Then, this is to examine the key elements that define the characteristics of the Metaverse and the tourism formats that utilise Metaverse technology through portable electronic devices. Pre-production: Plan, develop content, and create various resources to promote sustainable community tourism using Metaverse technology via portable electronic devices. This includes preparing data such as program development for portable devices, database structure programs, image editing tools, and information for building a database. Production: Create 3D models, integrate them into software to design each component stage-by-stage, define movements, add narration and sound effects, and set up user interactions. Post-production: Finalise the application by refining details and installing it on portable electronic devices. Efficiency evaluation: Have experts assess the suitability across five aspects—information presentation, content, usability, media, and the overall cultural tourism and local heritage activities. The results will be used to revise and improve the application before making it available to tourists visiting the Takhian Tia community in Chonburi Province through Metaverse technology. User Satisfaction evaluation: Last, summarise and prepare the research report.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
This research provides Metaverse media on the platform “ThakhiantiaVerse”, along with the quantitative results on tourists’ satisfaction after testing the activities online: This can conserve the local culture, draft a tourism policy, and present it to the local tourism organisation later. After completion, this research can enhance the revenue of a sustainable community by educating local communities about this metaverse platform as lifelong learning with strong relationship partnerships among community tourism and campus in the long term.
Date of Implementation:
1st October 2024-30th June 2025
