ECOTOURISM IN THAILAND

Ecotourism in Thailand

Ecotourism in Thailand

Introduction

In the last twenty years, tourism has undergone tremendous change and development. Tourism demand is growing at breakneck speed around the world. In the rapidly growing tourism industry has the potential not only in developed countries, but also in development. Today, tourism is a global problem. Not only those international tourist arrivals have increased to more than double since 1983, but the number of goals given to "pleasure periphery" appeal has grown to such an extent that some countries or regions, we can assume that it is not included in the system of international tourism. Tourism can be defined as the sum of the phenomena and relationships associated with travel and stay of non-residents, since they do not lead to permanent residence and are not affiliated with any of the income. Tourism brings a lot of both positive and negative effects on recipients. In general, there are three major consequences: economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts. This article discusses methods for promoting eco-tourism product in Thailand.

Discussion

Significance of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is more concerned with social participation in tourism with limited means, and includes measures to encourage participation. Mass tourism as a phenomenon began in the 50s and 60s, but not seen as an important sector of the economy. It was only in 1985 in Lomé III conference of least developed, that ecotourism has received inadequate attention. There is general consensus that ecotourism contributes to the development of various sectors of the economy.

Creation of local needs and promoting new industries and commercial activities

Improving employment opportunities in the country

The growth of urbanization on the basis of growth and renewal of tourist sites, especially in economically depressed areas

The increase in revenue of foreign currency to help reduce the deficit

Assistance to the redistribution of capital between the developed and developing countries (most of the foreign trips aimed at developing regions)

It allows business turnover of the country and speed up the multiplier effect (Wanhill, 2003, p. 22).

Ecotourism as an Economic Activity

As ecotourism has become an important economic activity, the ability of the national economy for the benefit of ecotourism depends on the availability of investment. It is carried out in order to develop the necessary infrastructure and capacity to meet the needs of tourists. "Cost-benefit analysis of mass ecotourism can be measured at the national, regional and local levels. Costs, makes the quality of life and cost of government spending or taxes. This affects the local population in the region. In addition to direct costs incidental, are not secondary or expenses, which impose a higher quality of life and low cost in the region. It is clear that ecotourism requires careful planning and infrastructure construction.

Ecotourism is largely resource-based activities, interaction with natural systems and the ability to initiate major changes in the environment. Thus, the management of the environment is vital for planning ecotourism. Unplanned ecotourism has led to environmental degradation in developing countries (Przeclawski, 2001, p. 661). Therefore, tourism planners should give preference to the use of designs that ...