Thailand is rising up the ranks in the list of eco-tourism destinations enjoyed by travellers from across the world.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, consumers are becoming more in tune with how their decisions impact the environment and societies.
In line with this shift in consciousness, eco-tourism or ‘green travel’ has risen in popularity, with travellers actively seeking destinations and experiences that have a low carbon footprint.
CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM
Furthermore, even under the pressure of a tough economic climate, well over half of millennials try to buy exclusively from brands and businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible.
These findings are in line with the global trend towards ‘conscious consumerism,’ whose effects are spilling over into sectors like international travel.
Sustainable travel is currently one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry.
World Metrics found that with its annual growth rate of between 20% – 34%, the global ecotourism market is set to reach over $330 billion by 2027.
ECO-TOURISM: A BETTER WAY TO SEE THE WORLD
Though eco-tourism is often considered to be environmental preservation, it also includes community support.
Eco-tourism destinations typically operate according to a mandate that prescribes ways in which a destination or establishment can conserve and protect the natural habitat in which it is based.
GREEN DESTINATIONS
Many ‘green’ destinations provide much-needed employment opportunities for local community members and support the development of the economy by working with local suppliers, small-scale producers and artisans.
Many eco-tourism operators also donate a portion of their proceeds to community development and upliftment projects.
Moreover, these practices also aim to protect the region’s natural resources.
That said, World Metrics estimates that eco-tourism can even generate three times more revenue for local communities. This is when compared to traditional tourism.
Currently, sustainable travel also supports the conservation of around 20 million hectares of protected land and regions around the world.
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THAILAND FOR ECO-TOURISM
With mass tourism having detrimental effects on tourist attractions, many countries are beginning to take action.
Thailand is fast-tracking its sustainable tourism efforts to become an eco-tourist destination.
From local cultural immersion experiences to closing off islands impacted by tourist activity, Thailand is indeed making strides in eco-tourism.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Director, Chaiwat Tamthai, said the country is committed to eco-tourism.
“Eco-tourism represents a critical movement toward balancing tourism with environmental and social responsibility. By promoting this positive change, we can ensure that future generations can continue to experience the richness of Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage,” says Tamthai.
RECOGNISING THAILAND’S PROGRESS
Last year, four Thai towns – Hua Hin, Mueang Kao Sukhothai, Khlong Thom, and Nan Old City – were featured in the top 100 list, for showcasing exemplary destination management practices toward a responsible future for tourism.
This allows destinations to preserve natural beauty while sharing local culture with the world.
“We’re proud to say that our efforts towards making Thailand one of the world’s most popular eco-tourism destinations have been recognised by a number of awards platforms. One of these is the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories initiative, which celebrates and promotes 100 global locations and businesses that set the benchmark for sustainable travel every year.” Tamthai said.
