In response to global warming fuelling worldwide concern about the impact mass tourism, responsible and ethical tourist practices are becoming more popular. But what exactly is ecotourism, and how is Thailand becoming a global leader in this emerging market?
Ecotourism is the philosophy of holidaying in the most natural and environmentally responsible way possible. The principal aim is to permit tourism with as small a footprint as possible. The secondary aim is for the tourism to benefit the local people and communities.
Ecotourism first emerged, in earnest, in the 1980s, as a means to minimise the negative aspects of traditional mass tourism. Learning about local projects, avoiding detrimental tourist experiences, and being respectful of the environment all mean ecotourism is a more desirable alternative to traditional tourism.
It is easy to confuse ecotourism with two similar-sounding terms: sustainable tourism and green tourism.
Sustainable tourism shares similarities with ecotourism and businesses promoting one often attempt to promote the other. Ecotourism centres on visiting natural locations in a low-impact manner. Meanwhile, sustainable tourism focuses on making a lasting positive impact on a location’s society, economy, and environment. For instance, sustainable initiatives often examine areas where tourism is overcrowded and promote alternatives as a means to reduce the impact in one area to manageable levels, while helping another area benefit from increased popularity.
Meanwhile, green tourism refers to environmentally-friendly practices by tourist businesses, such as hotels only washing towels and sheets when necessary, or using renewable energy sources.
Since the 1990s, ecotourism has seen double-digit growth as more and more holidaymakers are determined to travel as ethically as possible. As worldwide concern for the environment only gets stronger, experts anticipate that ecotourism will account for 25% of the tourist industry in the next few years.
Elephants bathing in a protected sanctuary.
Thailand is among the 83% of developed nations that rely on ecotourism and is helping to lead the growing trend. The country is positioned in the centre of the Southeast Asian Indochinese peninsula and consists of over 500,000 km2 of thick jungle, mountain cloud forests, and paradise beaches, with over 20% of the country deemed protected.
However, Thailand’s primary draw is just its geography, which allows visitors to climb and hike mountains, paddle rivers, or zip line over jungle canopies. Arguably, the nation’s main allure is its diverse array of wildlife; this is one of the reasons Thailand is one of the top 10 most touristed country’s on Earth.
Sadly, many of these animals have been abused by the tourist trade. For instance, Thailand’s national symbol is the elephant; yet, their abuse via traditional tourism and the destruction of their environment has seen a rapid decline in their numbers. Fortunately, the increasing number of ecotourism-focused operators are supporting efforts to discourage tourists from riding elephants. Or from visiting them in awful zoos. Instead helping visitors to observe them in more natural, protected areas.
Thailand is also home to tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and king cobras. Also, a wide array of different species of birds, bears, and monkeys. And as wildlife and environmental groups start to crack down on the unethical zoos and practices that have traditionally comprised Thailand’s tourism industry, the nation is responding with an exciting selection of ethical alternatives.
Thailand is changing perceptions of tourism and environmental preservation at an exciting rate. To help you explore this diverse country’s amazing selection of growing eco-friendly experiences, here are our top suggestions.
Numerous projects are now working to protect and rehabilitate the gibbon population.
In the fight back against elephant exploitation, this sanctuary provides an opportunity to see these beautiful creatures at their happiest and safest.
Years of deforestation, mistreatment, and an illegal wildlife trade has drastically reduced the gibbon population of Thailand. This project enables you to witness rescued gibbons as they are nurtured back to health. Also, it educates visitors about the dangers of existing tourist photo-op businesses.
The Soi Dog Foundation helps rescue and rehome strays. Also, it is striving to educate locals about the importance of sterilizing and properly caring for canines.
Divers visiting the stunning Koh Tao will not want to miss this marine conservation project; which seeks to preserve coral reefs and sea life. If you have a scuba license and are planning on a longer stay, they are always looking for volunteers.
View from Doi Inthanon National Park
This national park is located on Thailand’s highest peak and visitors are greeted with a spectacular view. The location is home to a traditional farming community. Once forced to produce for the illegal opium trade, it has transformed and now grows exclusively legal produce.
Kho Yai was Thailand’s first national park and remains the most popular. It has over 30 miles of hiking trails and is bustling with wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, tigers, and over 400 species of bird.
This litter-cleaning NGO might be an international organisation today, but it started in Thailand. It operates all over the country and volunteering is a great way to contribute while making friends with the locals.
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