Stories tagged with ecotourism
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Plans to Promote Ecotourism in Thailand
Thai and UK tour companies have plans to introduce ecotourism programs geared toward students in Thailand next year.
Thailand has already established its popularity as a top destination for backpackers, boasting a lifestyle that is usually quite affordable for tourists. These planned community tourism programs, organized by the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute (CBT-I), aim to attract this crowd toward a more eco-friendly type of traveling.
All of the tours in this project will strictly abide by the eco-tourism policy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. CBT-I has been actively involved in sustainable tourism for ten years, always supporting the preservation and development of local communities.
CBT-I marketing support and development coordinator Peter Richards said that their teams have experience running over 70 eco-tourism projects globally, a reassuring fact for those considering joining a tour.
Posted by: Zoe on 03 Dec 2007, 12:22 -
It’s dolphin time!
Just one hour east of Bangkok, the waters of the Bang Pakong River meet the Gulf of Thailand. An easy day trip from the bustling metropolis, the area is home to a rare breed of river dolphins.
The Irrawaddy dolphin, known to scientists as the Orcaella brevirostris, is one of the most endangered dolphins in the world.
With the monsoon waters receding, now is the perfect time to charter a fishing vessel from the coast and go looking for the elusive creatures. If nothing else, the three hour cruise along the river is a beautiful way to spend the day, but the dolphin watching this year has already exceeded expectations.
“I never would have thought I could see such wildlife close to Bangkok,� said an excited Thai woman who came along with her 9-year-old daughter “I never even knew there were dolphins living in these rivers.�
The rare dolphins are generally found in rivers, estuaries and coasts in South East Asia and northern Australia. In this area of Thailand they are most often sighted in November, but this year the dolphins arrived early and have been seen as early as October.
The dolphins follow a certain breed of catfish into the estuary, mimicking their migration patterns. They tend to be shy and can stay underwater to hide for up to 12 minutes at a time. Seeing even one of the creatures is a special treat for many of the tourists who make the journey to the estuary.
“It was indeed a pleasure to be able to see one up close,� said Dr. Susan Lieberman, Director of WWF’s Global Species Programme who was in Bangkok attending an International Conference on Wildlife Trade. “It makes discussions in a conference hall over their fate really come alive.�
The International Conference was held in Bangkok in early October and discussed giving the Irrawaddy Dolphin a special status which would ban international commercial trade of the species.
The best time of the day to see the dolphins is early in the morning, before 9:00. At that time, the dolphins are engaged in feeding and are more likely to be seen. It is also a good idea to go dolphin watching during high tide. When a dolphin has been spotted, boats can approach quietly from downstream, however, boats should be discouraged from ever chasing or pursuing dolphins. Experts advise against jumping into the water or trying to touch or swim with the dolphins.
To get to dolphin watching cruise on the Bang Pakong River, follow the Bang Na-Trat expressway east from Bangkok.
Posted by: Jen on 28 Nov 2007, 05:10 -
Live luxuriously and save sea turtles
The Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket has set up a foundation in order to help protect the endangered marine turtles in Thailand. Travelers who stay at the hotel can help contribute to the company’s environmental efforts and stay just 15 minutes north of the area where the turtles hatch on the beach.
Annually, Aleenta donates 100,000 baht to the Turtle Sanctuary in the nearby Haad Thauymuang National Park. In addition, each guest donates 40 baht per night of their stay to the sanctuary, a gift matched by an equal donation from the hotel. Finally, the hotel employs one full time staff member to work at the sanctuary. This staff member helps patrol the beach, care for baby turtles and assist with the treatment of sick turtles.
The resort was founded and is currently owned by Anchalika Kijkanakorn. When she first started the development in 2005, she heard about the sea turtle sanctuary. “We immediately decided to set up a fund to project them, and to make sure we are part of the solution rather than contributing to their declining numbers,� Ms Kijkanakorn said. “We’ve hired a full-time employee to work at the Haad Thauymuang National Park where the Turtle Sanctuary is located, and have launched an educational program for local schools including field trips to the sanctuary and coloring books for children.�
The hotel is currently offering a five night ‘Adopt a Turtle’ package. The package includes five nights stay in a villa or luxury suite with full breakfast each day. The package includes a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary complete with a gourmet picnic lunch. Because visiting Thailand should always be a relaxing experience, the package also includes a treatment for two at the Aleenta Spa and one candle-lit dinner for two. Daily tropical fruit baskets are provided and transfers to and from the Phuket International Airport are included.
Package prices start at 72,672 baht ($2590) for double occupancy in a Beachfront Suite.
In addition to the projects with sea turtle conservation, the Aleenta hotel also contributes to responsible tourism by offering English language lessons to local people and providing employment opportunities to local staff. Aleenta purchases most of its seafood from local fisherman and uses local market gardens to get fresh vegetables.
Posted by: Jen on 27 Nov 2007, 05:16 -
Thailand wins prizes for responsible tourism projects
At the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards during the World Travel Market earlier in November, The New Forest project in Thailand won the top prize.
The New Forest has been operating in Thailand for the last 15 years. The destination works together with visiting tourists as well as with the local community and industries to improve environmental conditions for the benefit of all.
The competition considered 1,700 nominations for the prize. This year’s awards were organized by responsibletravel.com, an online travel directory. The Times and Geographical Magazine and WTM also contributed to the organization of the event.
Every year since 2004, the awards recognize groups in the travel industry who have significantly contributed to improving responsible tourism. The awards are generated from nominations from tourists who select companies and organizations providing outstanding holidays that also benefit local people and the local environment.
The New Forest won the prize for the Best Destination due to its ability to demonstrate how all stakeholders can participate in the achievement of economic, social and environmental components of responsible tourism.
The New Forest’s Anthony Climpson won an award for the Best Personal Contribution to responsible tourism.
In Thailand, Lamai Homestay & Guesthouse was highly commended in the category of the Best Small Hotel/Accommodation. Andaman Discoveries was awarded the prize for the Best Conservation of Cultural Heritage. The group won the award for their ability to empower local communities and develop tourist activities in collaboration with local groups.
Posted by: Jen on 26 Nov 2007, 05:12