Sustainable Tourism: A tool to promote Sustainable Local Development in Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the role of sustainable tourism in sustainable local development in Thailand. For this purpose, the relationship between sustainable tourism, economic activity, cultural promotion, community welfare and sustainable local development was examined. Primary data were collected to examine the relationship between variables. A questionnaire survey was used for data collection. Data were collected from the people involved in various business activities related to the tourism in various local areas of Thailand. Data were analyzed by using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results of the study shows that sustainable tourism has positive role to enhance sustainable local development. Sustainable tourism in local areas of Thailand has significant potential to increase economic activity, cultural promotion and community welfare. Furthermore, economic activity, cultural promotion and community welfare has positive influence on sustainable local development. Hence, sustainable tourism has vital influence to promote sustainable local development in Thailand.