A new ecotourism event, Elephant Travel Mart 2018, jointly hosted by ‘Save Elephant Foundation’ and ‘Asian Elephant Projects’, aims to bring together ethical elephant tour operators and tour agencies in Chiang Mai on December 14.
The event, taking place at Khum Kan Toke, Chiang Mai, is conceived by
the founder of ‘Save Elephant Foundation’, Sangduen Chailert (Lek), who
works tirelessly for the wellbeing of Thailand’s elephants.
Elephant tourism has long been associated with Thailand by travelers
from around the globe and helps to attract millions of visitors to the
country each year. However, there has been a growing trend away from
traditional forms of elephant tourism (such as elephant riding and
circus shows) towards ethical elephant tours offering programs that are
sustainable and make the well-being of elephants a priority.
Ecotourism values promoting modes of travel with minimal impact on
the environment are becoming more widespread, particularly among young
people. A growing concern for the environment and for the welfare of
animals is changing the landscape of tourism across many tourist
destinations throughout the world – a positive change that presents
significant opportunities.
A key goal of Elephant Travel Mart 2018 is to provide a venue
to bring people together to discuss how the travel industry can continue
to adapt to respond to this trend and better meet the shifting demands
of travelers.
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Lek Chailert suggests that, “If ethical tour operators using
environmentally sound practices and tour agencies work together in
response to the demand for sustainable ecotourism in Thailand, a
mutually beneficial relationship can be achieved that will create
widespread benefits for the elephants, the environment, small
communities, and the Thai economy.”
The event will begin with a thank you address to the audience by Lek,
followed by an opening ceremony, including a performance by the Chiang
Mai College of Dramatic Arts. Elephant tour operators and travel
agencies will then meet to discuss potential opportunities for working
together.
At the event, there will be 30 booths representing the ‘Saddle Off’
projects promoted by Asian Elephant Projects. Each booth will provide
details about their project and hand out brochures and souvenirs to
visitors. There will also be lucky draw prizes offering free gift
vouchers to visit the various ‘Saddle Off’ projects throughout Chiang
Mai province.
In the evening, dinner will be served and entertainment provided by
various Thai stars including Rose Sirinthip, Baitoey R-SIAM, King The
Star, and Bow Benjasiri. The winners of the lucky prize draw will then
be announced. The event will end with a closing address by Prof. Prayat
Vorapreecha, Honorary Counselor of Save Elephant Foundation.
It is hoped that this event will provide an important opportunity to
exchange and develop ideas as well as build relationships between
members of the travel industry in order to take full advantage of the
growing popularity of ecotourism.
“The success of this event holds the potential to positively impact
the welfare of elephants in Thailand, protect and improve the
environment, and provide support to local communities,” concludes Ms.
Chailert.
For more information visit saveelephant.org, asianelephantprojects.com.
Source - TheThager
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