Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a severe economic crisis in Thailand, disrupting supply chains and drastically reducing consumer demand, particularly in tourism, a sector employing 28 % of the national workforce. This crisis underscored the vulnerability of tourism-reliant economies, especially duri...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Sustainable Futures |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266618882500348X |
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| author | Danupon Sangnak |
| author_facet | Danupon Sangnak |
| author_sort | Danupon Sangnak |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a severe economic crisis in Thailand, disrupting supply chains and drastically reducing consumer demand, particularly in tourism, a sector employing 28 % of the national workforce. This crisis underscored the vulnerability of tourism-reliant economies, especially during severe droughts that hinder traditional labor migration to agriculture. Agricultural tourism emerged as a promising strategy for economic recovery and rural revitalization, offering an alternative for domestic travel while promoting sustainability and poverty reduction. This study explores the potential of agricultural tourism to foster resilience and sustainable development in the post-pandemic context. Using qualitative methods, including unstructured interviews with 180 stakeholders, thematic analysis, and triangulated insights, the research identifies key demand-side preferences, such as authenticity, cultural immersion, and environmental conservation. It also highlights supply-side challenges like inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and insufficient government support. The findings emphasize the need for strategic interventions, including policy reforms, rural infrastructure investment, and capacity building. The study proposes targeted policy recommendations to enhance agricultural tourism’s impact. These include financial support for SMEs, promoting sustainable practices, digital transformation, and fostering innovation in tourism offerings. By integrating cultural heritage with sustainable agricultural practices, Thailand can establish agricultural tourism as a cornerstone of economic recovery, addressing immediate economic needs and long-term resilience. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and global practitioners, emphasizing the transformative potential of agricultural tourism in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing rural livelihoods. Further research is encouraged to evaluate the long-term dynamics of this sector in a changing global landscape. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4cfedcefcf4a4465a7f877507b33ec2d |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2666-1888 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sustainable Futures |
| spelling | doaj-art-4cfedcefcf4a4465a7f877507b33ec2d2025-08-20T03:20:16ZengElsevierSustainable Futures2666-18882025-06-01910078210.1016/j.sftr.2025.100782Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEsDanupon Sangnak0Graduate School of Service Innovation and Intercultural Communication, Faculty of Hospitality Industry, Kasetsart university, ThailandThe COVID-19 pandemic triggered a severe economic crisis in Thailand, disrupting supply chains and drastically reducing consumer demand, particularly in tourism, a sector employing 28 % of the national workforce. This crisis underscored the vulnerability of tourism-reliant economies, especially during severe droughts that hinder traditional labor migration to agriculture. Agricultural tourism emerged as a promising strategy for economic recovery and rural revitalization, offering an alternative for domestic travel while promoting sustainability and poverty reduction. This study explores the potential of agricultural tourism to foster resilience and sustainable development in the post-pandemic context. Using qualitative methods, including unstructured interviews with 180 stakeholders, thematic analysis, and triangulated insights, the research identifies key demand-side preferences, such as authenticity, cultural immersion, and environmental conservation. It also highlights supply-side challenges like inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and insufficient government support. The findings emphasize the need for strategic interventions, including policy reforms, rural infrastructure investment, and capacity building. The study proposes targeted policy recommendations to enhance agricultural tourism’s impact. These include financial support for SMEs, promoting sustainable practices, digital transformation, and fostering innovation in tourism offerings. By integrating cultural heritage with sustainable agricultural practices, Thailand can establish agricultural tourism as a cornerstone of economic recovery, addressing immediate economic needs and long-term resilience. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and global practitioners, emphasizing the transformative potential of agricultural tourism in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing rural livelihoods. Further research is encouraged to evaluate the long-term dynamics of this sector in a changing global landscape.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266618882500348XAgricultural tourismCOVID-19Sustainable developmentThailandPolicy recommendationsPolicy research |
| spellingShingle | Danupon Sangnak Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs Sustainable Futures Agricultural tourism COVID-19 Sustainable development Thailand Policy recommendations Policy research |
| title | Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs |
| title_full | Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs |
| title_fullStr | Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs |
| title_short | Sustainable tourism development in Thailand: The role of agricultural tourism and government support for SMEs |
| title_sort | sustainable tourism development in thailand the role of agricultural tourism and government support for smes |
| topic | Agricultural tourism COVID-19 Sustainable development Thailand Policy recommendations Policy research |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266618882500348X |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT danuponsangnak sustainabletourismdevelopmentinthailandtheroleofagriculturaltourismandgovernmentsupportforsmes |