Perceptions of tourism by national park residents in Thailand

Abstract

Empirical evidence gathered in and around Doi Inthanon National Park in Northern Thailand indicates that tourism causes a number of social and economic disparities at the village level. Tourism in the villages is organized and operated by outside tour companies, leaving local residents with very limited influence or economic benefits. Tour guides rarely facilitate a cultural encounter and a lack of communication, interpretation and guidelines during village visits is a problem both to residents and in providing experiences for tourists. Park management restricts villagers living inside the national park from many traditional land uses, and residents are fearful of tour guides reporting irregularities. The main concern of villagers is not tourism but the park authorities and park restrictions. Differences in the types of tourism and related problems inside and outside the park are identified but park management also affects tourism outside the park. While villagers are generally positive towards tourism and hope for jobs and income, the present organization of tourism does not provide residents with an alternative to traditional farming and land uses as intended by park management. New tourism initiatives, including a guide education programme and an eco-tourism project, have been established in the park. A number of additional policy and management changes are suggested to improve the local benefits of tourism and to increase educational efforts and co-operation with local residents.