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DASTA Explores “Khlong Thom, Krabi” as a Sustainable Health Tourism Destination

In a concerted effort to promote sustainable tourism, the Special Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration Organization (DASTA) has initiated the exploration of “Khlong Thom” in Krabi Province as a potential special area dedicated to health and wellness tourism. Colonel Athikhun Khongmee, the Director of DASTA, along with Ms. Wassana Pongsapan, the Director of the Office of Corporate Communications, led a media group to Khlong Thom District to study its suitability for sustainable tourism development.

The focus of this initiative is to create a coordinated effort among various agencies to develop health tourism routes, specifically highlighting the allure of hot waterfalls and saline hot springs. These attractions cater to the discerning health-conscious travelers who seek rejuvenation and wellness during their journeys. By emphasizing income distribution and improving the quality of life for local communities, the project aims to simultaneously restore and conserve natural resources for long-term sustainability.

Khlong Thom District, with its unique natural landscapes, historical significance, and cultural heritage, particularly stands out. Notably, the district’s Huay Nam Khao Subdistrict houses a rare and unseen tourist attraction – a saltwater hot spring. This site is one of only two such springs in the world, with the other located in the Czech Republic, Eastern Europe.

DASTA intends to present the study findings to its committee for consideration as a special area and subsequently seek approval from the National Tourism Policy Board. The entire process is expected to be completed by 2024. Following this, a strategic plan for the development of Khlong Thom District, aligned with the strategic plan for the southern Andaman provinces, will be devised. The plan will leverage the existing resources in the region, upgrade infrastructure, and attract investments.

The development of this special area holds significant importance in terms of natural resource conservation and restoration. It offers a unique opportunity to manage Khlong Thom as a sustainable tourism destination while ensuring local communities reap the benefits of new tourist attractions. The project aims to enhance community potential, preserve the environment, and foster long-term prosperity.

One of the standout features of Khlong Thom is its saline hot springs, renowned for their high mineral content beneficial for health and medical treatments. Although the private sector has already recognized the advantages and made investments in utilizing these resources, government support, especially in terms of water quality control and optimizing water consumption, remains crucial. Designating Khlong Thom as a special area would enable DASTA to act as a central agency, collaborating with other relevant departments such as the Department of Groundwater Resources and the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, to facilitate responsible water and land use planning. Moreover, coordination with the Office of the Board of Investment would be sought to attract further investment in the area.

Looking ahead, DASTA plans to transfer knowledge gained from this project to local communities, employing global sustainable tourism criteria and community-based tourism development criteria to elevate Khlong Thom to the status of a Wellness City. The focus will be on enhancing infrastructure, inviting potential entrepreneurs, and positioning the area as a hub for rehabilitation and healthcare. Efforts will also be made to secure international recognition by nominating Khlong Thom for certification as one of the world’s top 100 sustainable tourist destinations.

While DASTA spearheads the development of this special area, the Khlong Thom District Local Administrative Organization has been proactively tapping into its own potential. In 2022, DASTA applied the Sustainable Tourism Management Standard (STMS) for assessment, with two local government organizations, Khlong Thom Tai Municipality and Khlong Thom Nuea Subdistrict Administrative Organization, successfully meeting the standard criteria and receiving STMS certificates.

Krabi Province, known for its captivating landscapes, has traditionallyattracted both Thai and foreign tourists, with an annual average of around 7 million visitors. In 2019, the province ranked fourth in terms of tourism income in the country, generating approximately 120 billion baht. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the tourism sector, leading to a decline in tourist numbers due to lockdown measures. Nonetheless, from the end of 2022 until the present, Krabi Province has witnessed a gradual resurgence in tourism, with the first five months of 2023 welcoming around 1.2 million visitors, generating an estimated income of 1.3 billion baht. Notably, European and Arab tourists have been prominent among the foreign visitors, particularly drawn to health-focused programs and experiences.

As Khlong Thom District emerges as a potential hub for sustainable health tourism, stakeholders are optimistic about the future prospects of this endeavor. By harnessing the district’s unique natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and the healing properties of its saline hot springs, the aim is to create a thriving and environmentally conscious tourism destination. With DASTA’s diligent efforts and the collaboration of various agencies, Khlong Thom has the potential to become a globally recognized and sustainable wellness city, offering a harmonious blend of rejuvenation, cultural immersion, and ecological preservation.

Editorial Staff
Editorial Staffhttps://locality.guide
Provider of news and content to Heaven is Hua Hin

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