Covid-19 has severely affected global tourism. Many local communities that rely on tourism are now struggling to maintain livelihoods. Without income generation from tourism, the future of community members has become uncertain more than ever while they are now dependent on financial aid and support packages from the government.
Although tourism is highly vulnerable to the pandemic, the industry holds a unique position to promote responsible recovery plans and actions. Tourism represents development opportunities for communities and the Covid-19 crisis has potential to become a turning point for tourism planners to rethink and rebuild tourism for sustainable community development.
Furthermore, relationship building through tough times can be exceptionally resilient. It is the time for community-based tourism businesses to review and strengthen their partnerships with the host communities to regenerate the sustainable tourism model.
Speaker:
Ms. Wanvipa Phanumat, the Office of Community-based Tourism, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
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