A richer perspective of community-based tourism and social development affecting quality of life

Many previous studies show that social development (SD) and quality of life (QOL) have mutually significant issues in many societies. However, few studies have explored and identified the factors affecting social development and QOL. The current study aimed to explore and examine the relationships among Community-Based Tourism (CBT) factors, social development, and QOL, and to propose a conceptual model. A quantitative approach was employed using a purposive sampling method, collecting data from 400 residents across four CBT areas in Thailand. The study applied Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the hypothesized relationships. The result showed that economic, public administration, and technology factors positively influenced social development. Furthermore, social development partially mediated the relationship between these factors and QOL. Technology had a direct positive effect on QOL. This study offers the advantage implications of developed tourism and public-private, providing theoretical, practical, and academic implications for future research.