Hospitality Management: Sustainable Tourism in Thailand (HMT2023)

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This report analyzes sustainable tourism in Thailand.

1HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Hospitality Management Sustainable Tourism Development
Student Name:
Student ID:
University Name:

2HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Executive Summary
The study constitutes a report describing the development plan for sustainable tourism in
Thailand. This identifies different factors, which are associated with the sustainable tourism
of the place, and identifies the impacts of that place. The role of different stakeholders
associated in this activity and the pros and cons are identified in this report. Different
approaches and its impacts on the tourism are evaluated with an analysis on the issues present
in this context.

3HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................5
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................5
LO1: Understanding rationale for planning in Travelling Industry.......................................5
1.1 Discussion on ways stakeholders are benefitted from planning (P1.1)...................5
1.2 Discussing advantage and disadvantage of public and private sector tourism
planning partnerships (P1.2)...............................................................................................6
Task 2.........................................................................................................................................7
LO2: Understanding various approaches for planning and development in tourism.............7
2.1 Analysing various characteristics of Tourism Development planning at different
levels (P2.1)........................................................................................................................7
2.2 Evaluating importance of interactive planning systems and process in tourism
development (P2.2).............................................................................................................8
2.3 Evaluating Different methods for measuring impact of tourism (P2.3).......................8
Task 3.........................................................................................................................................8
LO3: Understanding requirements of planning for Sustainable tourism ...............................8
3.1 Justification regarding introduction of sustainability for developing tourism (P3.1)...8
3.2 Analysing factors that cause obstacle in sustainable development of tourism (P3.2). .9
3.3 Analysing various stages within planning of sustainability (P3.3)...............................9
Task 4.......................................................................................................................................11
LO4: Understanding present issues within travel and tourism.............................................11
4.1 Evaluation of various methods used to solve conflicts of interests for ensuring
wellbeing of tourism destination (P4.1)............................................................................11
4.2 Importance of balancing between supply and demand (P4.2)....................................11
4.3 Evaluation of moral and ethical issues within tourism (P4.3)....................................12
Task 5:......................................................................................................................................12

4HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
LO5: Understanding impact of socio-culture, economic and environmental factors of
tourism within developing countries....................................................................................12
5.1 Comparing Current issues within tourism development within developing nation and
an emerging tourist destination (P5.1)..............................................................................12
5.2 Providing recommendations for future development in both mentioned destination
(P5.2).................................................................................................................................13
Conclusion................................................................................................................................14
References................................................................................................................................15

5HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Introduction
Sustainable tourism can be referred as a concept, which is trying to make the people aware
and responsible towards the environment of the place, where they are destined to make
holiday. Thus, it can be considered as a way to make people more aware and responsible
during the holiday. The development of a sustainable tourism is thus comprises of making of
a plans to prevent the adverse effect on the environment while enjoying holiday this is
beneficial for both the local people and the nature, as it not only conserves the natural
resources but also improves the economy of that place. The present study is based on a report,
which is constructed on the development plan for sustainable tourism plan for Thailand,
where the rationale and different approaches of the development plan is discussed. Besides,
the requirements of the plan and present issues are discussed, with the impact of socio-
culture, economic and environmental factors.
Task 1
LO1: Understanding rationale for planning in travelling industry
1.1 Discussion on ways stakeholders are benefitted from planning (P1.1)
Tourism can be considered as a way to improve the economic standard of a place. This can be
served by both short term and long- term way, as the planning is implemented to the place.
However, the tourism is not only effects on the economy of a place, but it also influence the
environmental, social and cultures of a particular place (Bunruamkaew et al. 2011). Thus, the
development of a plan for sustainable tourism is very much important, and precise attention
should be provided during the decision making process, so that it can involve a large group of
stakeholders in that process. This will make the people understand that the capital is not only
based on the investments, but also dependent on the natural resources, which will help in
making a long- term impact for that planning (Hitchcock et al. 2018). Here, the stakeholders,
who are involved in the development of the sustainable tourism planning, are as follows:
 Government: The national government regulates the overall tourism activities, and
constitutes the rules of the activity. Here, the government of Thailand is providing a
legislative tourism plan for the place, which is increasing the tourism of that place
along with a sustainable plan for the natural resources.

6HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
 Local populace: The major benefits offered by the sustainable tourism to the local
populace, who are in a direct communication with the natural resources of that place.
Similarly, the adverse effects fallen on the environment due to the tourism is also
affecting them more than others (Larsen et al. 2011). In addition, in the sustainable
tourism these people are getting included in the tourism plan, which directly improves
the economy of that people.
 Business associations: The business organizations, like the hotels, resorts, tour
agencies, all become benefitted due to the implementation of a sustainable tourism
plan, as a fix plan help them to develop a strategy, which improves their business.
1.2 Discussing advantage and disadvantage of public and private sector tourism
planning partnerships (P1.2)
The public and private sector partnership is a joint venture in between government and the
local tourism service providers. The resultant collaboration helps in the making of a
successful integrating plan, which is able to achieve the target by adapting the sustainable
tourism plan of that place (Biggs et al. 2012). However, there are several benefits and
limitations of that public and private sector partnership, which are influencing the activity of
sustainable tourism of a place, are described as follows:
 Advantages:
 Improved infrastructure
 Fast completion of a project
 Development of supreme quality of projects
 Disadvantages:
 The estimation of the cost is the principle limitation of that partnership, which is
very difficult to be estimated.
 Few number of participants

7HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Task 2
LO2: Understanding various approaches for planning and development in tourism
2.1 Analysing various characteristics of Tourism Development planning at different
levels (P2.1)
The planning of a successful and sustainable tourism requires the identification and the
evaluation of different levels, which are associated with the tourism sectors (Bunruamkaew et
al. 2012). Before developing and implementing a plan, the characteristics of these levels
should be evaluated; this would be beneficial for identifying the potential of the plan for the
place. In case of Thailand, it has been found that the place is potential for tourism, as the
people prefer the place and showing interest in making holiday in that pace. There are three
distinct level of developing sustainable tourism plan of a place, which are as follows:
 International level: This involves the plan for a tourism industry including more than
other countries. This is important in constituting of laws and regulating principle
governing the tourism of a place. In Thailand, it has been found that the legislative
rules in tourism industry at international level are very much effective and helping in
foreign exchange (Sakolnakorn et al. 2013). Moreover, it improves the transport
system and multi- currency marketing strategy of the country, by promoting their
cultural heritage at international level.
 National level: The tourism plan in national level is involved in making of national
policy and structure of tourism planning within country. This promotes the national
tourist places of attraction to the visitors (Suvantola, 2017). In addition, the promotion
and development of national level facilities are also concerned by this authority. In
Thailand, this planning level is involved in making of the investment policy,
marketing etc.
 Regional level: The tourism plan for Thailand at the regional level is associated with
the tourism plan at state level and the inclusion of local population in that business
(Kantawateera et al. 2013). This regional level of tourism of that country is governed
by the regional policy and it is associated with the development of the infrastructure
and transport network. Moreover, the inclusion of local population and the
management of these local resources are also included at that level.

8HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
2.2 Evaluating importance of interactive planning systems and process in tourism
development (P2.2)
The interactive planning system of a tourism development process is helpful in achieving the
objectives of the tourism industry. This is based on the development of the organization and
its future prospects (Kontogeorgopoulos et al. 2014). The interactive planning for tourism
industry is based on three main principles, as follows:
 This planning is dealing with the background of a project, and identifies the position of
the organization. It evaluates its goals and identifies the effort to be made.
 It should be present in the entire process uninterruptedly.
 It must involve all the stakeholders of that tourism planning, who are associated in the
sustainable development process.
2.3 Evaluating Different methods for measuring impact of tourism (P2.3)
The tourist impact of a place should be determined in order to identify the level of
improvement that the tourism industry must perform (Wongthong et al. 2014). This will
evaluate how and which changes should be adapted by the organization and the respective
authority. Moreover, this data will be helpful in making of strategies for sustainable tourism
of that place. In Thailand, this impact of tourism is effective for determining the level of
inclusion of the local people of a particular place, so that the changes can be adapted in a
quicker way. The data from different methods provide the respective authority a guidance to
develop a strategy. In addition, it measures the negative impacts fallen due to tourism and
identifies the ways where the local communities can be included to turn it into a positive
result.
Task 3
LO3: Understanding requirements of planning for Sustainable tourism
3.1 Justification regarding introduction of sustainability for developing tourism (P3.1)
Sustainability forms to be an important aspect within any business. This is due to the fact
sustainability ensures overall growth and development of all people that are associated with
the business along with society. As mentioned by Mowforth and Munt (2015), sustainable
tourism encapsulates all present acts that will affect the economic, environmental and social
profile of the particular tourist destination. As far as tourism industry is concerned in

9HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Thailand, it contributed to 10.4% of the GDP and more than 19 million tourists visited
Thailand in the year 2016 (tourismthailand.org, 2017).
It is evident that tourism forms to be an important part within economy of Thailand and in
order to mitigate its negative effects, introduction of sustainability is important. Sustainably
on tourism prevent over exploitation of natural resources such as soil and water and protects
biodiversity of natural tourist spots. In addition, increased tourism also increases generation
of waste owing to which pollution levels are raised (Wongthong et al. 2014). As Thailand is a
coastal country, over exploitation of sea resources leads to endangering of the species. In
social context, the lifestyles of indigenous population are hampered. Therefore, introduction
of sustainability forms to be an inevitable and necessary step within tourism sector in
Thailand.
3.2 Analysing factors that cause obstacle in sustainable development of tourism (P3.2)
Introducing sustainability within tourism leads to economic and social development of the
tourist place. In addition, the objectives of stakeholders are met and tourism companies earn
high profits. However, there exists certain barrier that impairs proper implementation of
sustainability within the tourism sector. As far as tourism within Thailand is concerned, there
lies myriad of differences within viewpoints and interest of the stakeholders. Various tourist
agents and service providers aim to provide luxurious visiting experience to their customers
at the expense of endangering natural resources.
Pulido-Fernández et al. (2015) mentions the whole ideology of consumerism lessens the
efforts that are put for maintaining sustainability. Within Thailand, tourist service providers
engage their customer in various water sports that affect the marine life. In addition, forest
treks and tours to caves lead to disruption of natural ecosystem. Another hurdle that is faced
while establishing sustainable tourism is lack of knowledge. The changes within tourism
organization for implementing sustainability also lead to problems and conflicts amongst
employees. In addition, sustainable practices and various innovative measures within tourism
organizations might prove to be expensive. Thus, it is evident that tourism sectors within
Thailand faces several challenges to sustainable practices.
3.3 Analysing various stages within planning of sustainability (P3.3)
One of the critical factors that are to be considered while implementing sustainable tourism is
that of proper planning and identification of resources. In Thailand, implementation of
sustainable tourism will lead to better living standards of locals as well as ensure high profits

10HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
to travel organizations. The various steps involved in planning Sustainable Tourism
development are outlined as below:
Stage Intervention Outcome
Stage 1 All the aims and objectives of
the sustainability plan have to be
outlined along with proper
completion date.
This will lead to setting up of
objectives such as increasing number of
tourists and development of tourism
infrastructure.
Stage 2 Identification of stakeholders
such as tourist, local tourism
communities, local guides,
national park authorities and
government officials
The plan of sustainability will be
discussed and any changes will be
incorporated.
Stage 3 Identification of all the locations
that can attract tourist within
Thailand will be initiated. In
addition, demands and
expectations of tourist will be
analysed.
It is according to demands of the
customers that the sustainable plan will
be created.
Stage 4 All the issues of stakeholder
have to be identified.
This leads to development of solution
for mitigating the issues and improving
quality of tourism services.
Stage 5 After addressing all the issues,
the measures for sustainable
development are implemented.
This will meet demands of the
customers. The issues of stakeholders
are solved and they are ensured of
proper returns.
Table 1: Stages in Sustainable tourism development
(Source: Learner)

11HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Task 4
LO4: Understanding present issues within travel and tourism
4.1 Evaluation of various methods used to solve conflicts of interests for ensuring
wellbeing of tourism destination (P4.1)
Conflicts of interest originate from the different interests of different stakeholders associated
with the sustainable tourism process. Different stakeholders engaged in this process are
providing separate responses in order to develop a plan for sustainable tourism, which may
collide with the interest of other parties (Muangasame et al. 2015). This comprises the
greatest issue in the process of developing a plan for sustainable tourism in the recent time.
However, in case of Thailand, the principle conflict is found in between the government and
the tour operators. The government is intending of improving the economic condition of the
country, while the other one is intending the inclusion of several activities, which will
promoting the business of that place (Thanvisitthpon et al. 2016). The principle method that
can be adopted in order to resolve the issue is to use a collaborative approach, where different
interests of different parties are brought together to get a solution which is effective for all the
stakeholders.
4.2 Importance of balancing between supply and demand (P4.2)
Provision of high quality hospitality services forms to be an important aspect within the
tourism sector. Some of the notable tourist places within Thailand include the Grand place,
Phi Phi islands and Railay Beach. Within holidays and festivals the footfalls of tourist of
tourist increases in manifolds. It is important that proper lodging, touring and food services
would be provided to tourists. As mentioned by Uysal et al. (2017), proper supply of services
to tourist can be ensured by qualitative utilization of resources. In this context, the
government of Thailand has launched certain initiatives such as Amazing Thailand and
Discover Thainess in order to attract tourist from all over the world. Such measures create
demand for services and subsequently economy of tourism business is boosted
(tourismthailand.org, 2017).
One of the effective ways of establishing balance between supply and demand is feasible
pricing of services by the tourism companies (Kontogeorgopoulos et al. 2015). However,
increase in process of commodities such as air tickets prices and visa cost often decreases the

12HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
demands for tourism services. In such situations it is important that prices would be kept
within feasible limits to ensure that supply of services are continues to tourists.
4.3 Evaluation of moral and ethical issues within tourism (P4.3)
Within the tourism sector, several ethical and morale considerations have to be fulfilled in
order to provide high quality experiences to tourists. It is important that visitors of Thailand
are ensured of their safety and financial security is provided to them. Moreover, it is
important that tourists are treated with respect and no discrimination is made to them that are
based upon nationality, caste and race (Boley et al. 2017). All the services have to be
provided in such a manner that stay period of tourists are pleasuring and it ensures their
return. In absence of moral and ethical measures, tourist refrain from revisiting such areas
and subsequently tourism sector suffers a major setback.
Task 5:
LO5: Understanding impact of socio-culture, economic and environmental factors of
tourism within developing countries
5.1 Comparing current issues within tourism development within developing nation and
an emerging tourist destination (P5.1)
Within Thailand, the current tourism issues include safety and security of tourists and threat
to environment owing to over exploitation. In this context, various laws and measures are
undertaken by the government bodies for mitigating such issues. One of the neighbouring and
emerging tourist destinations within vicinity of Thailand is that of Indonesia. A tourism
facility in Indonesia is exemplary by the fact that it ranked ninth fastest growing tourism
industry in world and 20th in World Tourist industry (futuredirections.org.au, 2018). The
major problems within tourism sector in Thailand and Indonesia are as following:
Criteria Thailand Indonesia
Socio- Cultural The local culture and ethnic
practices are threatened
owing to application of
firing living norms. In
addition, the cultural values
Foreign lifestyles and
culture have led to
encroachment of traditional
methods. For instance, many
local cuisines are changes