Koh Tao Tourism Association is organizing Koh Tao Spotlight Festival 2023, an annual environmental promotion event, from 7 to 9 April at Sairee Beach, Koh Tao that will focus on sustainable tourism. It aims to shine a light on preserving nature, the green economy, community power and responsible tourism management as the new version of tourism in the ‘New Normal’ era. Supported by several local businesses and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, visitors are able to attend up to 12 conservation activities covering coral restoration, coral exploration, land and sea clean-up and more. There will also be land and beach sports, the Koh Tao Green Market and a Mini Dive and adventure expo with tropical food on the beach and music by the reef.
.jpeg)
Koh Tao is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the world. Since the beginning of 2023, the island has welcomed more than 100,000 tourists and hopes this event will help to revitalize Koh Tao’s economy. During Spotlight Koh Tao 2023, members of the Koh Tao community, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, representatives from state agencies and the private sector will be providing several products and services at special prices.
Mrs Rumluek Assavachin, the president of Koh Tao Tourism Association, said, “Our community is committed to developing environmental tourism and developing a green economy. We promote the use of natural resources as little as possible and inspire visitors to be aware of their actions to help us with conservation. Our goal is to create a new image of the world’s leading dive destination as a centre for learning about social and environmental best practices and responsibilities.”
.jpeg)
She went on to say, “In a coordinated community effort between the Thai Local Fishing Club, Koh Tao dive shops, local entrepreneurs and Koh Tao Tourism Association, we offer several activities such as coral restoration, mooring buoy installation and maintenance, land and sea clean ups, coral exploration and tree planting to preserve Koh Tao’s forest and rainwater sources. For example, our “Local Zero Food Waste Gastronomy” activity will use local ingredients, like seafood and vegetables to help distribute income throughout the island community in accordance with the government’s BCG Economy policy. This economic model of sustainable development encourages constructive new tourist behaviour. We welcome everyone to come and participate in our Responsible Tourism for Sustainability.”
The Koh Tao Tourism Association is operated by local entrepreneurs and a team of Thai and international volunteers. It aims to serve as the centre of coordination for all island-based tourism initiatives to make Koh Tao an internationally renowned and popular tourist destination once again. For more information, please visit https://spotlightkohtao2023.com/
.jpeg)
