The
Tourism Authority of Thailand has for many years
embraced the concept of sustainable tourism that
has been gaining ground all over the world. More
recently, it has taken things a step further with
the promotion of a new related category, agro- tourism.
Agro-tourism covers a wide range of agriculture-related
activities about which visitors learn and can
try out
for
themselves.
Rice farming, flower growing, vegetable and herb cultivation
and livestock farming are just a few examples. Exposure
is usually gained in leisurely fashion, such as by joining
picturesque canal tours or strolling through shady fruit
orchards (and tasting the fruits right from the trees)
and working rice farms. Also supporting the agro-tourism
are all the agricultural research and study centres
scattered throughout the country. Visitors are allowed
to tour the centres, watch the demonstrations or take
part in the hands-on activities
Opportunities
to take agro-tours are offered the length and breadth
of Thailand, from northern hilltribe areas to the fruit
orchards of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, and all they
way down to sea fishing villages in the deep south.
Rural
Village Life Tourism
The Rural Village Life tourism is another key concept
of sustainable tourism TAT is promoting. Being developed
are hands-on study themed holidays and tours such
as Rice Culture , Mangrove Rehabilitation, Herbal
Medicine and "Thai Buddhist Culture. Taking part in
the holidays or tours, visitors would become involved
in authentic, ordinary daily life and stay at village
guesthouses and homestays. The inner meaning as well
as the outward manifestation of the culture would
be part of the total experience.
Meanwhile,
the income derived from the tourism-related activities
will channel directly to people in the target areas
as well as help promoting good understanding between
local communities and tourists in the long run.