Thailand Ecotourism- Responsible Travel

In Thailand, ecotourism is responsible or sustainable travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people and wildlife. Ecotourism is a travel experience that helps travellers to have a better understanding of the unique natural and cultural environment and community. As a concept, ecotourism is a form of nature-based tourism in the marketplace focusing on environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability criteria. Hence, eco tours give travelers a good education as well as entertainment during their visits of natural destinations. 

What is the difference between ecotourism and adventure tourism ? 

Ecotourism is more strongly associated with rural and cultural tourism than adventure tourism. The overlap between the two is exemplified by taking trips to areas featuring the beauties of nature or wildlife. Ecotourism is strongly linked to the country's national parks and other protected areas. But a visit to a national park, or other part of the country exhibiting natural wonders, is classified as nature tourism, not as ecotourism. Educating the tourist about issues with the local environment and people is what sets aside ecotourism from other types of tourism.

What are the principles of sustainable ecotourism? 

Broadly speaking, the three basic principles of sustainable ecotourism are: 1) Conserving natural areas; 2) Educating visitors; and 3) Benefitting the local population. This is a major challenge that requires partnership and cooperation between the tourism industry, government, and local people, but especially the tourists themselves. 

What is the typical profile of an ecotourist ? 

The typical ecotourist is a nature lover with a good background education and awareness of the fragility of the natural environment and who is eager to preserve it. Generally, ecotourists will travel as a couple, or as a family with young children, and they will spend, on average, about a week for a single trip. Their main activities during the trip are: 1)Exploring a wilderness area; 2) Wildlife sightseeing; and 3) Hiking or trekking. 

What are the principles of sustainable tourism?

If you are a tourist operator :

• Know how to preserve and manage tourism resources, so that they provide long term benefits.

• Avoid over consumption and reduce waste when using tourism resources.

• Maintain and promote social, cultural, and natural diversity.

• Integrate tourism operations with strategic plans and activities at both natural and local levels.

• Support local business by using locally made products.

• Ensure that local people have opportunities to develop tourism operations.

• Consult all stakeholders to determine positive and negative outcomes from the operation.

• Manage the operation to enhance positive outcomes and minimize negative ones.

• Provide appropriate trainned staff to improve the quality of tourism services and raise standards.

• Prepare marketing material that promotes your operation as contributing to sustainable tourism.

• Research and mitigate impacts of your operation on the destination. This will improve knowledge about sustainable tourism and conserve the destination.

If you are a tourist :

• Gather relevant information about the destination before setting out. For example, find out the best way to  get to the destination and check the weather forecast so you can prepare appropriate clothing and equipment.  Book all travels and accommodations in advance.

• Study the history and background of the destination to enhance your experience and understanding of the local culture and tradition.

• When you arrive at the destination, you should respect the local culture, traditions, and environmental values. Always follow local rules and regulations.

• If traveling in a group , you should follow the group conventions, be on time, and listen to the leader or tourist guide.

• For your own safety, be careful and follow the local rules and regulations. Do not believe strangers who try to accommodate you or help you without checking their sincerity.

• Choose tourism operations that are environmentally and socially responsible by reading company policies and looking for certificates of environmental awareness issued by recognized organizations.

• Do not support illegal businesses by buying endangered species of plants or animals.

Adhering to these principles of sustainable tourism will enhance local economies, minimize environmental impacts, improve the quality of life, and strengthen communities. We believe tourism in Thailand can be sustainable if we follow these principles.

What kinds of tourism are sustainable?

• Ecotourism : Ecotourism is a form of tourism that occurs in natural areas and integrates the local socio-cultural identity with ecosystem considerations.  It promotes a sustainable ecosystem through a participatory environmental management processes involving all stakeholders.

• Health tourism : Health tourism is a form of tourism involving activities that deliberately promote good health.  Examples of health tourism include visiting exercise or meditation centers or resorts that provide health services or specialist in vegetarian food. Such visits are typically of a specified duration, such as 3 ,5, or 7 days.

• Agro tourism : Agro tourism is a form of tourism in agricultural areas such as orchards, agro forestry farms, herbal farms and animal farms, which have been prepared in some way for the tourists. More importantly, tourists gain experience in farming activities such as  working with animals or harvesting crops, usually under the supervision of a farm guide. Lectures describing the operation of the farm may also be given.

• Cultural tourism : Cultural tourism is a form of tourism that allows tourists to admire and learn about local culture and traditions. The local community participates in the management of this form of tourism, which is based on the principle of conserving local culture and the environment. Examples of culture-based tourism include visiting royal palaces or experiencing local life in a hill-tribe village.

Every kind of existing tourism operation can become Sustainable Tourism if tourism managers take responsibility for the destination's socio-cultural and natural environment.