A Sustainable Ecotourism Management Model in Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to propose a sustainable ecotourism management model for Kanchanaburi Province. A qualitative research approach was employed through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants: (1) the Governor of Kanchanaburi Province; (2) the Director of the Kanchanaburi Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports; (3) the Director of the National Park Office; (4) the Director of Forest Resource Management Office No. 10 (Ratchaburi); (5) the Director of Protected Area Regional Office No. 3 (Ban Pong); (6) the District Chief Officer of Sangkhla Buri District; (7) the District Chief Officer of Thong Pha Phum District; (8) the District Chief Officer of Sai Yok District; (9) the District Chief Officer of Si Sawat District; and (10) the District Chief Officer of Nong Prue District. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that the sustainable ecotourism management model in Kanchanaburi Province comprised eight components: (1) community participation, through the establishment of mechanisms for community participation at all levels; (2) ecotourism area management, through area planning and zoning; (3) tourist management, through controlling the number of visitors; (4) risk and safety management, through the development of safety guidelines and regulations for tourists and service providers; (5) integrated planning and development of ecotourism areas; (6) nature interpretation and learning experiences, through developing local guides’ knowledge and skills; (7) sustainable management of natural resources and the environment; and (8) marketing and promotion of ecotourism.