DEVELOPMENT OF FUTSAL MANAGEMENT MODEL TO PROMOTE SPORT TOURISM

Abstract

The research on development of a futsal management model to promote sports tourism consisted of 3 objectives, which were 1) to study conditions, problems, needs, and management factors that are important and support the management of sports tourism, 2) to develop a futsal sports management model to promote sports tourism, and 3) to examine and evaluate the quality of the futsal sports management model to promote sports tourism. The research used mixed methods divided into 3 steps: 1) Studying the conditions, problems, and needs of tourists by collecting and analyzing quantitative data according to questionnaires from a sample group of 400 student futsal competition participants and related people and studying management factors by interviewing and analyzing qualitative data from 21 student futsal competition organizers, (2) developing a futsal sports tourism management model from focus group discussions, and (3) quality examination and evaluation of the developed management model from connoisseurship process.

          The research finding revealed that 1) The tourists have had problems with the conditions and information about competition venues and tourist attractions. Tourists have desired the development of standardized, safe, and well-facilitated tourist destinations. And the supporting factors contributing to successful tourism management have included comprehensive promotion, participation from all sectors, and the development of quality management mechanisms. 2) The researchers have developed a model for futsal sports tourism called “DPE FUTSAL” from expert focus group discussion. It is divided into 2 parts which are the driving key success factors (DPE), which included D: Development of tourist destinations, P: Participation and promotion of cooperation with all sectors, E: Encouragement of information accessibility. Additionally, the management system (FUTSAL) includes F: Fair allocate budgets equitably, U: Unity management system, T: Technology utilization, S: Satisfaction of Tourists, A: Attitude development among staff and stakeholder, and L: Linkage between all marketing components. 3) The developed management model was examined and evaluated by an expert-based seminar (connoisseurship) with a highly appropriate level.