Eco-Friendly Cultural Tourism

Abstract

This article presents tourism that adapts to present global trends of tourism focusing on the environment, providing low-carbon tourism which aims to release lesser carbon dioxide (Co₂) and pollution in order to reduce the average global temperature which is rapidly and continuously increasing. The trend is in accordance with the 13^th National Economic and Social Development Plan (B.E. 2566-2570), which aims to reduce the release of greenhouse gases to the rate of 2 percent per year. Tourism should be responsible for the conservation of nature for sustainable development and avoiding the causes of negative impacts such as causing losses or destroying natural environment, as emphasized by the United Nations and the World Tourism Organization. In addition, cultural tourism not only helps to distribute incomes to the rural communities but also institutes an important mechanism of the unique cultural conservation and promotion of responsible tourism behavior, which should give tourists real ancient cultural experiences. Simultaneously, tourism should help reduce environmental impacts, promote community economy, and raise the tourists’ awareness of the environment during their visit. Thailand aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to 20-25 percent within the year B.E.2573 and also reduce the impact of climate and environment change on future tourism industry.