KKUIC, led by Asst. Prof. Sirimonbhorn Thipsingh, Dean of Khon Kaen University International College, together with M.L. Manida Suksawat, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Research and Academic Services, and Dr. Wei Yang, Chair of the Department of Arts, Social Sciences, Linguistics, and General Education, recently organized a one-day field trip titled “CSR Tourism for Sustainable Destination Development” in Udon Thani. Third-year Tourism Management students visited the Red Lotus Sea (Nong Han Kumphawapi) and Phu Phrabat Historical Park, where they carried out practical activities related to tourism development in cooperation with local communities.
This activity is part of the course IC213007 Tourism Destination Planning and Development, which aims to connect classroom learning with real-world experience and to encourage students to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit local society. The project also promotes social responsibility by involving students in academic service activities for community development.
During the field trip, students worked with community members and local tourism stakeholders to explore possible ways to improve tourism management and visitor experience. Activities included:
– Digital marketing practice: Students introduced basic techniques for creating short videos for TikTok and Reels, and explained how Google Maps reviews can help increase the visibility of local attractions.
– Local product development: A small workshop on making Red Lotus soap was organized as an example of how local resources can be developed into tourism products.
– Language support: Students prepared simple trilingual communication cards and digital version (Thai–Chinese–English) to help community members communicate with international visitors.
– Discussion with homestay groups: Students exchanged ideas with local homestay operators on basic management, visitor services, and possible future improvements.
This activity also supports Khon Kaen University’s “New E-San” development direction, which focuses on strengthening the Northeast region through balanced economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. By working directly with local communities, students gain practical experience while contributing to the long-term sustainability of regional tourism.
