Koh Mak island in the eastern province of Trat is developed as a low carbon tourist destination by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). The environmental initiative is hoped to help stimulate tourism of the island and nearby areas and tap a larger market after the AEC is launched.
DASTA Director Col.Nalikotiphak Saengsanit said DASTA had started branding Koh Chang islands and related areas as environmental-friendly tourist destinations. The Koh Chang cluster’s low carbon practices would set it apart from other islands in Thailand and other ASEAN member countries, Col.Nalikotiphak said.
The DASTA selected Koh Mak, an island in the Koh Chang cluster, to participate in the pilot project since the island’s environmental-friendly image was strongest among other islands in Thailand, the director said.
The Koh Mak low carbon pilot project is collaboration between the DASTA and the German International Cooperation (GIZ).
According to the DASTA director, foreign tourists select their travel destinations for environmental reasons more. In 2013, Koh Chang islands saw 800,000 tourists and eight billion baht in tourism revenue. Tourists from Europe who have high purchasing power visit the islands the most to enjoy the lush nature, hike, ride a bicycle and take part in water activities.
Source:http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNECO5703090010001