“N Thailand Chose Wrong Tourism Model†– Responsible Tourism Alliance Started
“Chiang Mai Thailand has rather sadly in my opinion, not chosen the best model for tourism development over the past 30 years” said the award-winning Track of the Tiger boss last weekend “This has resulted in a destination that is not the example of responsible tourism that it could have been.”
Shane K Beary, MD of Track of the Tiger continued “The emphasis has been on attracting the mass tourism market, whilst the unique selling points of the area, lend themselves more to small group special interest and ecotourism.”
“The global economic crisis, exacerbated by the kingdom’s political problems, have severely affected mass market tourism. It has provided those of us who support the responsible tourism model the opportunity to push our agenda and we are finding many in the tourism industry-private and public sector – receptive to the idea. “
Track of the Tiger is now in the process of starting a ‘Responsible Tourism Alliance’ for northern Thailand, that will group RT compliant service providers together for promotional and booking purposes.
The response from the boutique hotels and attraction operators in Chiang Mai, has, apparently, been extremely positive.
Initially members will be accepted in northern Thailand only (from Sukhothai to Chiang Rai) and Track of the Tiger T.R.D. will design, market and sell tours that link these properties together along defined ‘tourist routes’ through the provincial areas, and on ‘short loop’ excursions from the major cities.
The alliance is expected to be launched with a core membership of around 20 hotels, resorts and attraction operators by mid April 09.
The core alliance members will make a modest monthly (formula based) payment to cover promotion and operating budgets, and subsidise that with room or other service complimentary vouchers which will be used for barter purposes.
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