The results of participatory tourism development on household income in MeungKhay Group, Luang Prabang City

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) the results of participatory tourism development on household income in Meung Khay Group, Luang Prabang City; and 2) Factors affecting household income from tourism participation in Mueang Khay, Luang Prabang City. This study primarily employed a quantitative research methodology, surveying a purposive sample of 159 households in Meung Khay Group, Luang Prabang City whose livelihoods are linked to the Kuang Si Waterfall tourism site. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics, specifically Multiple Regression Analysis via SPSS version 26.

The research found that: 1) the results of participatory tourism development on household income in Meung Khay Group, Luang Prabang City indicates that the local community possesses a robust economic foundation, with a total revenue reaching 197.98 billion LAK ($1,145/capita/year), driven primarily by the tourism service sector as the core strength. Notably, Kuang Si Waterfall has experienced exponential growth in visitor arrivals, reaching 657,774 tourists and generating up to 33.85 billion LAK in direct revenue in 2025. This success relies heavily on international tourists, who account for 91.71% of the total purchasing power. This progress stems from budget allocation and the implementation of facility development projects (such as WTA standard toilets, erosion control, bridges, and walkways), and the information centers. It also includes public-private investments alongside the promotion of Ban Tha Pene as one of the province's top 10 participatory eco-tourism villages. And 2) Factors Affecting Household Income from Tourism Participation in Mueang Khay, Luang Prabang city revealed that the most influential factor is the "potential and participation" variable. This is followed by employment, investment, and tourism activities, respectively all of which demonstrating significance at the 0.01 level.