Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, for sustainability management and resident participation

     The GSTC-D criteria are intended for use or adoption by destinations and tourism attractions, as a way to promote sustainable tourism around the world, including Thailand, which is one of the world's top tourist destinations, thanks to the large number of tourists who visit the country each year, particularly following the relaxation of measures during the COVID-19 epidemic. Thailand has adopted sustainable tourism criteria in order to standardize and sustain the Thai tourism industry. People, in addition to the public and private sectors, are directly involved in the development of sustainable tourism, particularly in tourist destination areas.

     Attractions must provide opportunities and support that enable the public to participate in the planning and management of sustainable attractions, in order to encourage participation and suggestions from residents. There should be surveys and other mechanisms in place to gather residents’ opinions and suggestions. This applies to tourism issues, and tourism sites must have systems in place to improve local people's understanding of the opportunities and challenges of sustainable tourism, as well as to build communities’ capacity to respond to them and that challenge. This is for the future development of tourist attractions and communities, as well as the growth of the Thai economy.

Source : Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Information as of 28 February 2023