Research article

A MODEL OF LOW CARBON TOURISM ACTIVITY IN SATUN UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

Kuldara Peanjaroen1* and Parichart Visuthismajarn2

Online First: October 29, 2022


This qualitative research aims to produce a model of low carbon tourism activity in Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. The key informants were the government officials, academics, and tourism operators who had knowledge and were experienced in tourism and 17 community representatives. The tools used in the study consisted of semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and group discussions.The results of the study showed thatthe model of low-carbon tourism activities in geo-tourism sites “WECARE Model” was composed of 6 factors: Waste management (W), Efficiency in water consumption (E), Community lifestyle (C), Activity (A), Responsible (R), and Energy efficiency (E).This model relies on tourism resources, service and experience sharing, the management of tourism operators, the community participation in organizing tourism activities. In addition, receiving support from government agencies or related operations such as educational institutionsisnecessary. Thedevelopment of tourism will help to clearly and continually contribute to the promotion of low-carbon tourism activities.

Keywords

Low carbon tourism,Model of tourism activity, SatunUNESCO Global Geopark