Travel with Care in Thailand

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat acknowledged that sustainable tourism looks beyond economic benefits: «Thailand, which witnessed 38 million tourist arrivals last year and tourism revenue approaching 20% of GDP, has provided us with a more challenging job.»

The tasks, he said, are to ensure fair distribution of tourism income to second-tier cities and local communities while maintaining good conditions of natural resources and environment, and securing local culture and identities.

A National Tourism Policy Committee is now focusing on making tourism a tool to maximise benefits in all aspects including economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. At the same time, negative impacts have to be minimised.

To further promote sustainable tourism, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has applied for GSTC destination assessment. This year, Dasta is working with universities across Thailand to assess six pilot destinations based on GSTC criteria: Nan, Chiang Khan in Loei, the historical parks of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, Uthong ancient city in Suphan Buri, Pattaya in Chon Buri, and Koh Chang in Trat.

Read the full article: Travel With Care by By Nareerat Wiriyapong on Bangkok Post (April 8, 2019)