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Through B2B and B2C models, communities that have that have attractive, and/or cultural assets, i.e. local livelihood, craftsmanship, traditional farming and cuisines can adapt their communities into attractions for eco- and community-based tourism. Through training on tourism management and entrepreneurship, and construction of facilities and accommodations, he communities can generate revenue from servicing tourists while also preserving their ecological and cultural assets. This IOA will help distribute tourism income to remote areas to help reduce income inequalities, generate incomes for communities from lodgings, selling local food and products and guided tour services, and help the planet from incentivizing communities to protect the environment and ecosystem as attractions for eco-tourism. Investors can invest money directly in the communities to develop their tourism capacity or in companies that will partner with communities. Some examples of companies in this space are:
Local Alike is a famous social enterprise that partners with communities across country to help them develop community-based tourism. The products are, for instance, guided tours to experience a local lifestyle and homestay accommodation, with future plans to tap into promoting local-made products and cuisines.
Suan Sampran is recognized as a popular organic tourism destinationin Nakhonpathom province, officially operated in 1962. It works hand in hand with local farmers to produce organic vegetables, fruits, and health and wellness products for the farmer market. Guests can practise traditional Thai crafts, experience herbal healing treatment, enjoy Thai fine dining, visit farmer market, or tour local farms.
Mae Kampong is a showcase of eco- and community-based tourism in Chiang Mai province where visitors can enjoy experiences of local lifestyle, such as traditional tea leaves preparation, coffee farming, traditional massage, and homestay that are run by local communities (17).
Eco- and community-based tourism in second tier provinces generates income and incentivizes communities to protect natural and cultural assets.