Community tourism charm, touching life, touching nature

       Community-based tourism goes by a variety of names, including ecotourism, homestay tourism, and sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism in which locals actively participate in planning and implementation, ensuring minimal negative impact on the local environment, culture, and economy. They do this not only to meet the needs of tourists, but also to focus on developing the potential of local residents. The value of community tourism is easily explained, as follows:

• It is a form of tourism in which community members participate in setting directions and making decisions;
• Tourism contributes to the preservation of local identity and culture, fosters pride in one’s own cultural heritage, and respects different cultures as well as equal respect for human dignity;
• It is a type of tourism that improves the quality of life for locals while also encouraging cultural learning and exchange;
• It can create environmental sustainability for local people;
• It is also a type of tourism that provides a fair return to the locals.

           Community-based tourism is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand. For example, Ban Ma-Thab Nam Subdistrict, one of two subdistricts in Ayutthaya Province, has been designated as a community tourist destination for tourists who want to experience the way of life of villagers and who have come to study history, such as learning local wisdom and arts and culture hidden in that community. They also participate in activities with villagers, such as learning to cook local food, making products in the community, and so on.