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Home > Activities > Eco-Tourism
ECO-TOURISM
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 Thailand
is fortunate in its prime location for tourism in
terms of such natural attractions as beaches and mountains,
cultural and historical sites which reflect the glories
of Thai civilisation, and a sophisticated infrastructure,
allowing visitors easy access to all these treasures |
The
government's policy on tourism for the past years has
been gearing towards more and more sustainable
tourism development with emphasis on community participation,
safety of tourists and non-exploitation. The term "eco-tourism"
has been widely used to described a form of tourism
in natural areas that is based on the knowledge
about and responsibility towards the ecological system
of the area.
At
present, the number of real eco-tourism visitors is
still minimal. Mostly, those tourists are included
in other types of tourism such as nature-based tourism
agro-
tourism,
cultural and historical tourism and health
tourism.
Most of such tourism areas are in natural parks
and specific historical-cultural areas
The
national parks system in Thailand was previously cited
its growing importance to the
eco-tourism industry. With most parks easily accessible
by road, there exists excellent
potential to expand the
number of visitors who use them
In the case of the Mekong River, the nature-based tourism
potential particularly applies to Northeast Thailand,
an area that the TAT has identified as a priority for
tourism development.
The
national parks in close proximity to the Mekong River
include sites of prehistoric, archaeological and
natural significance. As the Mekong region increases
in its exposure and popularity, these parks will
experience an increased number of visitors in
search of quality eco-tours.
On
marine eco-tourism, the last 30 years saw the country
establishing 18 marine national parks as well
as more than 70 terrestrial ones. Many of the activities
available on and around Thailand's crystal seas
are environmentally sound. Sea canoeing, windsurfing,
biking ,walking, swimming, snorkelling and sailing are,
when
practiced
as they should be, perfectly respectful of nature.
Diving, the most popular water sport in
Thiland, can be just as green.
Thailand
has a great opportunity to promote eco-tourism,
especially when compared to other countries
in the Asian region. The kingdom enjoys such
benefits as easy access, sophisticated infrastructure
and myriad tourist attractions and activities.
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