The Charm of Local Thai Life: 'Live, Learn, Share and Care.’

Presented at the Buyers Forum, TTM+ 2014, Bangkok, Thailand.

Peter Richards, for Local Benefits through Responsible Tourism

My experience and interests:

Sustainable / Responsible TourismCommunity based tourism (CBT)Helping community / sustainable products to access tourism markets.

Thailand is still simply charmingYes! The authentic Thailand is still here, waiting to be explored…

And, after two decades of hard work, it's easier than ever to organize amazing experiences which benefit local people and the environment.

CBT-I TEATA

TEATAAndaman DiscoveriesTEATA

Stepping towards Thai sustainable tourism.... is a more concerted

effort than ever before. Progress…

Policy levelAssociationsResponsible tour operators and certified hotelsNGO’s and academicsNetworksPilot projects PartnershipsNew productsAwards

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports

and The Department of Tourism

National Tourism Plan, 2012-16: “develop and restore tourism destinations sustainably, striking a balance between utilizing tourism resources and conserving natural resources, the environment, society, community lifestyles.”  Ecotourism, cultural heritage, sustainable tourism administrations, protecting the character of local architecture and local lifestyles.

DOT: “Increasing tourism destination quality and standards.” Carrying capacities, new rules & reg’s for encroachment into natural-tourism areas, waste and water management, climate change, clean energy, chemical safety and energy reduction by businesses.

Green Tourism training and support for Thai tourism businesses.Community Based Tourism standard and a DOT office to support CBT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand 2014: Target ‘Green Tourism’

markets

Harness ‘Thainess’ – Local wisdom and the friendly, generous, hospitable spirit of Thai people – towards high-quality products and markets, conservation of tourism destinations.

Creating environmental awareness and protecting sustainable tourism destinations.

Supporting tourism focused on learning experiences, towards the development of high-value, learning destinations. (TAT, 2014)

Green tourism / CBT product promotion

New Green Tourism Mobile App

Community-based voluntourism competition

Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)

Established in 2003, with a mandate to promote and support sustainable tourism development in Thailand.

6 designated areas: Koh Chang islands, Pattaya city; Sukothai and Sri Satchanalai Historical Parks; Nan old Town; Utong ancient city and Loei province.

Creative tourism, which benefits communities and environment, with minimal carbon footprint;

Financial and technical support to local Gov, tourism businesses and communities to plan and work together;

Share lessons learned and best practices.

1) Live: experience the charm of Thai life with community based tourism (CBT);

2) Learn: develop and grow with grassroots educational experiences in Thailand;

3) Share: ‘give something back’ with needs-based, volunteer travel programs;

4) Care: be part of a greener future with ‘low carbon’ tourism and green hotels.

Today… update on fun, inspiring, innovations in rural, responsible tourism in Thailand. Examples of creative programs, which are available now!

CBT-I

Thailand Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association (TEATA)…

Experts in responsible, rural tourism. www.teata.or.th

Loei Go Green Get Together, TTM 2014

Live: experience the charm of local Thai life with CBT50 + quality CBT programs around

Thailand.

Inspiring experiences of culture and nature, based on what local people feel proud and comfortable to share with guests.

Operated by community groups / clubs.

Supporting social and environmental work.

More Thai tour operators supporting CBT.

CBT-ICBT-I

CBT-I

Tour Merng Tai

Why is CBT a different and better experience?

CBT-I CBT-I

CBT-IThailand Autrement

Thailand CBT Network Coordination Center http://cbtnetwork.org/

Recommend CBT, based on your guests / product needsOrganize FAM survey tripsProduct dev / backstopping Promote your achievements

Members - 65 communities from across ThailandInformation and promotionRaise CBT StandardsLink / support partnerships:

http://maehongsongreenmap.com/

Ban Hua TungPartners since 2010Cultural exchangeCommunity forest

Mae Hong SonCBT SpecialistCBT hill tribe treksCult. exchangeTextiles, cookingExcellent training and support for local communities.

Andaman CBT

Expertise: CBT, volunteering,

students, families.

E.g. English teaching

Winner of multiple international

awards

Learn - educational experiences

A field classroom without walls for… School and university students / learning objectivesSpecial interest clubs and groups

TeambuildingCultural exchangeBuddhism / beliefsCookeryTextiles;Env. ConservationComm. Dev.

Royal Silk Holidays

CBT-I

CBT-I

Warm, family business

Wild Thailand’s Promise: cultural exchange in every

program;

E.g.: Coral restoration, returning orchids to the wild,

Thai-International student exchange program.

Learn about…

Wildlife and conservationEcology and biodiversityResource managementZero waste agricultureLocal community groups

Royal Silk Holidays

Get hands-on…

Personal challengeMangrove plantingJungle survivalRecyclingBirding

Northern ThailandPrograms around unique

festivals and events, CBT, student groups

Ethical elephantsTravelife Partner Status

Krabi…

Expertise: CBT, ecotourism, school

exchange programs.

Thailand Tourism award.

Share - volunteer experiences

Dragonfly CBT-I

CBT-I

Simple, achievable tasks:

Painting / simple building;Pipe laying / water supply;Teaching English (in a prepared / structured way);Environment campaigns;Supporting tourism or handicraft product design.

Cultural exchange and learning, + give something back through volunteering

Projects are built upon a thorough, local needs consultation process.

Ayutthaya and across Thailand

Expertise: CBT, students, volunteering.

Trip Advisor Certificate of excellence 2013.

Volunteering, youth education & corporate

team building

Expertise: volunteering, students,

teambuilding.

Pioneer of Tourism for Good web platform.

E.g.: English teaching, youth guide training, environmental initiatives, health programs, handicraft product design…

Simple activities, based on consultation of local needs w/ community members.

Sustainable Loei

Be aware that voluntourism is sensitive:Tour operators consult about local needs;Transparent about volunteer budgets;Promoted as a two-way, learning holiday; Youth are always supervised by adults;Activities do not require children to stay up late or otherwise interfere with their studies;There is sufficient budget to finish work.

One to watch…

BANGKOK THREE SIXTY

One to watch…

Care: The sky's the limit? Low carbon tourism?

Trad Province

Care: What's Great about Green hotels?Comfort & qualityKey issues…

EnergyWaterWasteStaffCommunities

Where to look:GreenleafEarthcheck / bookdifferent.comTravelifeTAT Mobile App

3,4,5 StarProperties

Investing in inspiring products which create local benefits is investing in a sustainable future for your business and for Thailand.

Please support tour operators which are working as partners with local people to offer inspired responsible travel to your guests!