Guest speakers from Thailand and neighboring countries to attend a groundbreaking forum which will assess the contribution which community based tourism (CBT) is making to sustainable development in Thailand.

On the 19th and 20th August, 2010, over 100 academics, social workers, local Thai community members and progressive tour operators will meet in Bangkok to assess how community based tourism (CBT) is contributing towards Thai society and environment.

Over the past 15 years, more than 80 Thai communities have worked to develop community based tourism. CBT programs give guests opportunities to learn about Thai life, culture and nature through fun, hands-on activities lead by community guides and local families.

CBT programs are designed to support society and environment by developing community members’ knowledge and skills, generating income for local families, funding social and environmental projects, catalyzing community cooperation and celebrating local culture.

The CBT Forum 2010 will review the experiences of Thai communities operating CBT, and the community workers, responsible tour operators and academics supporting CBT. The forum will draw on over a decade of field experience, from local communities to the market.

The conference will increase understanding of how and why CBT has succeeded or struggled, and will thereby assist Thai tourism industry stakeholders, and development and conservation professionals to ensure that CBT creates the most benefits and the least negative impacts for Thailand’s communities, cultures and environments. It will also help to ensure that CBT experiences are marketable and enjoyable for local hosts and their guests.

The forum will explore how Community Based Tourism has contributed towards sustainable development by sharing case studies and stimulating debate around 5 core themes:

1. CBT and Natural Resource Management
2. CBT, Capacity Building and Human Resource Development
3. CBT Conserving, Supporting and Celebrating Local Cultural Heritage
4. CBT Contributing towards Local Economy, Society and Quality of Life
5. CBT Partnerships for Sustainable Development and Market Access

Special guest speakers from neighboring countries will give Thai participants valuable opportunities to learn and share with expert practitioners from overseas.