Abstract
Despite significant economic growth in Thailand, in northern Thailand in particular, a growing number of indigenous communities have been turning to tourism as an alternative to expanding their commercial agriculture. However, in recent years, tourism resources have begun to deteriorate both culturally and environmentally in addition to problem of poverty. Thus, a growing gap between rich and poor, inadequate attention to the special needs of ethnic minorities, gender inequities and lack of access to basic health and education are significant problems. This paper presents the ethnic minorities’ context and their demands on tourism development as well as the key players’ roles and interests effecting on ethnic tourism promotion. The paper concluded with key issues for an achievement of creative ethnic tourism promotion in Chiang Rai Province.
Highlights
Ethnic tourism is the travelling motivated by search for the first hand and authentic experiences on other cultures that often involve with locals’ performances, presentations and attractions
In the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS), ethnic tourism has been perceived by tourism stakeholders as an essential tool for sustainable tourism promotion as it can be utilized as a tool for the preservation and conservation of natural resources, culture and heritage in addition to poverty alleviation, Thailand is no exception
Research objectives To answer the above questions, this study aims to: - explore the ethnic communities’ demands on tourism development - investigate the key players’ roles and interests effecting on ethnic tourism promotion. - identify key issues for an achievement of creative ethnic tourism promotion in Chiang Rai Province
Summary
Ethnic tourism is the travelling motivated by search for the first hand and authentic experiences on other cultures that often involve with locals’ performances, presentations and attractions. This kind of tourism provides tourist opportunities to have close contact with indigenous communities and its members [1]. In the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS), ethnic tourism has been perceived by tourism stakeholders as an essential tool for sustainable tourism promotion as it can be utilized as a tool for the preservation and conservation of natural resources, culture and heritage in addition to poverty alleviation, Thailand is no exception.
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