Guideline for Success as Low-Carbon Tourism Destination In Koh Mak, Trat Province of Thailand

Abstract

At the present, tourism is a part of the cause of negative impacts on natural resources, waste management, pollution and the changing local way of life. This has led to global trends, ecotourism and responsible tourism to promote environmentally conscious travel, along with supporting local entrepreneurs in reducing pollution in tourism activities and emphasizing the conservation of traditional ways of life. This research is a study of Guidelines for Success as Low Carbon Tourism Destination in Koh Mak, Trat Province of Thailand with the following objectives: 1) to study the process of managing low-carbon tourism destinations in the Koh Mak area, Trat Province 2) to present the approach to the success of the Koh Mak area in managing           low-carbon tourism destinations. This research is a qualitative research and used semi-structured in-depth interview method with the following information providers: 1) 3 Representatives from government and private agencies including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Trat Office and Academics in tourism and the environment related to the Koh Mak. 2) 5 Stakeholders in managing low carbon tourism in the Koh Mak, Trat Province including leaders of the Koh Mak tourism community, Owners of Koh Mak Seafood restaurants, Owners of electric car rental businesses and the Trash Hero group. Data analysis utilizes content analysis and inductive analysis, ensuring rigor through triangulation methods. The research results found that Koh Mak,               Trat Province is an island that does not have a variety of tourist attractions like other nearby islands. It lacks complete amenities such as convenience stores and entertainment venues. There is no jet ski service that uses a motor. But there is an electric car and motorcycle rental service. Therefore, Koh Mak is quiet. Natural resources are not disturbed much. Which creates abundance Therefore, it was selected as a model of low carbon tourism with cooperation from the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) to help drive and jointly design the 8-point Koh Mak charter such as not supporting ferries to Koh Mak, not supporting the use of foam materials, prohibiting littering in public areas and not supporting land and water sports that use motors. At the same time, support electric cars and bicycles for tourists to travel on the island to create the least carbon emissions. Including designing tourism activities to prepare for Koh Mak to become a Green Destination TOP 100 by 2027 But because of the strength of the community, In 2022 Koh Mak achieved this standard of schedule. Community leaders and entrepreneurs can manage their businesses in a low-carbon manner according to the comprehensive 8P Destination Marketing principles. Additionally, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting Koh Mak as Sustainable Luxury Destination to attract high-quality and high-spending tourists.