On 16–17 September 2026, Assistant Professor Dr. Jutima Boonmee, Ajarn Wanvisa Ploy Insawang, and Ajarn Suthira Pankaew, lecturers in the Tourism and Hospitality Program, College of Hospitality and Tourism, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), Trang Campus, participated in a field visit to Ban Hat Pak Meng Community and Ban Na La Community, Sikao District, Trang Province. The visit focused on a preparatory meeting for the Community Entrepreneur Program Exhibition (Champ) under the Decentralized Hands-On Program Exhibition (D-HOPE) initiative. The activity was conducted as part of the D-HOPE Experiential Learning Promotion Project for Fiscal Year 2026, organized by the Sikao District Community Development Office.
The field visit aimed to support community entrepreneurs in preparing tourism activities and experiential programs designed to enhance the presentation of local identity, ways of life, indigenous knowledge, and community resources. The programs emphasize active tourist participation, enabling visitors not only to observe but also to engage directly in hands-on activities. This approach seeks to create meaningful tourism experiences that foster closer connections between visitors and local communities while promoting income generation, community empowerment, and sustainable development for local entrepreneurs and residents.
The “D-HOPE: Communities Open Their Doors to Welcome Tourists” event invites visitors to experience local communities through hands-on activity programs based on the concept of Decentralized Hands-On Program Exhibition (D-HOPE). The event is scheduled for Sunday, 20 September 2026, at Ban Hat Pak Meng Community, and Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at Ban Na La Community, Sikao District, Trang Province.
Tourists are warmly invited to discover new experiences and explore the unique charm of Ban Hat Pak Meng and Ban Na La communities through activities that go beyond simply “seeing” and instead encourage visitors to participate, learn, and experience the local way of life firsthand. Through these hands-on activities, visitors can discover the communities’ stories, local identities, and traditional knowledge while gaining memorable and meaningful experiences.
Photos/Information: Assistant Professor Dr. Jutima Boonmee
Written by: Miss Kanjan Chumdee
English Translation: Assistant Professor Supaphon Charoensuk
