Benefits of Ecotourism to Local Communities

As a popular tourist destination in the region, Thailand’s ecotourism is a growing segment for the benefits it brings to local communities.

Practices that promote conservation and sustainability have become essential for the future of tourism in the country. As such, there is a demand for sustainable local tour services in Thailand.

What Ecotourism Is

Let us define what ecotourism is: a type of tourism that focuses on conserving the natural environment and preserving the cultural identity and integrity of the area’s local communities. Ecotourism is closely tied to sustainable practices to help ensure natural resources and cultural heritage are protected. This involves a mutually beneficial relationship between the private and public sectors to empower local communities to sustainably lead and run their own tourism-related activities.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Ecotourism benefits local communities in a number of ways:

Development

Local communities earn income from their ecotourism businesses and are able to uplift their quality of life. More revenue means more funding for improving the area’s infrastructure and capacity-building. With the rise of ecotourism, the government is also more likely to enact laws to protect the area by creating wildlife preserves and national parks.

Preservation

With the natural environment and their culture as a source of income, local people are more inclined to preserve them to maintain their livelihood. There is also more incentive for younger generations to retain their traditions, such as working in environmental preservation jobs or making local delicacies and handicrafts, if they can see a future in it.

Education

Community-led activities educate tourists and visitors about the environment and the challenges that the community faces. Exposure to the local’s way of living helps raise awareness of their value and importance and how to conserve them for future generations.

Ecotourism in Thailand

You can support ecotourism in Thailand by choosing companies that have made it their mission to educate communities and empower community tourism efforts. Local Alike is a leading ecotourism provider in Thailand, offering sustainable tour programs that promote the importance of ecotourism and community-based tourism. Our tour groups engage in various activities such as environmental conservation, eco-learning workshops, community engagement, and leadership development. We offer various tours across Thailand, working closely with over 200 communities in different provinces to create uniquely meaningful and memorable experiences for our clients. Some of these local communities include:

Baan Tham Sue, Petchaburi Province

The community is known for its tree bank project. This innovative and sustainable initiative involves tree planting and actively engaging the community’s participation in tree care and environmental awareness. Visitors can learn from their traditions such as making salted eggs and dispersing seed bombs in the forest, and have fun rafting down Petchaburi River.

Takien Tia, Chonburi Province

This community is proud of its coconut heritage, as they use local traditions and ingenuity to transform the humble coconut into beautiful and delicious products. Through engaging workshops and hands-on activities, visitors can learn how to make coconut-based dishes and desserts and gain an appreciation for the community’s way of life.

Baan Laem, Suphanburi Province

This farming community offers an enriching experience immersed in the rural lifestyle and local culture. Visitors will have the chance to try planting crops, guided by experienced local farmers who will share their wisdom and traditional farming techniques. They can also participate in activities such as making aromatic incense, thong pub or crispy rolled cookies, and water hyacinth plates.

Over the years, Local Alike has worked extensively with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. We have provided community development consultancy for UNDP, Kenan Foundation, Ashoka Foundation, Ministry of Interior’s Department of Community Development, Ministry of Industry, and companies such as Pruksa Real Estate, CP, Agoda, and Traveloka to promote the importance of ecotourism in the country.

Travel to expand your horizons and support a community at the same time through Local Alike’s sustainable local tour services in Thailand. Inquire about our carefully crafted, customizable tours and book your next trip with us.