The Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute

The Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute is rated 3 out of 5 in the category civic & social organization. Read and write reviews about The Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute. CBT-I was established in 2006 to "Provide support and facilitate cooperation among stakeholders from grassroots to international levels, in order to strengthen the capacity of Thai communities to manage tourism sustainably." CBT-I is a partnership between two Thai organizations which had worked for over ten years assisting local communities to develop and market community based tourism programs, designed to share local life, generate income for communities and support grassroots social and environmental initiatives. CBT-I was established to build on and replicate this work, through research, capacity and network building. Since 2006, CBT-I have assisted over 40 communities to conduct simple research projects to explore their potentials for tourism. CBT-I have trained over 1000 people from over 100 communities in areas like CBT product development, marketing, operation, and monitoring. CBT-I have facilitated peer-learning networks across Thailand, allowing communities to meet, discuss, share experience and resources and advocate for government support. CBT-I has assisted communities to market CBT to a wide range of markets. Recognizing that success relies on partnerships, CBT-I provide regular training for tour operators, guides, responsible government and NGO staff. CBT-I has been recognized by UNESCO, Conservation International, National Geographic Traveler, DRV, PATA, TIES and GIES. CBT-I were a finalist in the 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards for Community Benefit.