Nan in balancing act

BANGKOK, 22 February 2012: Nan, a  province in North Thailand, faces the challenge of balancing its cultural identity and the need to tap tourism to help the local economy to grow.

Up until now tourism in Nan has moved at a snail’s pace despite having diverse cultural and natural attractions. Critics blame it on the lack of  airline services and convenient land connections.

Nan is a cul-de-sac destination except for travellers who are prepared for a rough transfer through Laos on back roads to Luang Prabang.

However, tourist arrivals to Nan jumped to new heights in the peak season 2009/2010, prompting Nan Tourism Business Association president,Utai Tantrakul, to forecast the province’s fortunes in tourism were on the move.

“Cooperation between the province, private sector and Foto United group to promote Nan through photography in late 2009 laid the foundation for growth and since then domestic tourism has grown 10% to 20% generating revenue around Bt800 million” said Mr Utai.

The official tourist arrivals to Nan of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports during 2011 are not available, but the National Statistics Office in Nan provides data from December 2010 to September 2011 that shows the province welcomed 579,206 visitors, but almost all were Thais.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported 224,931 visitors to Nan in 2009 and 275,390 in 2010. But astonishingly, the official data stated there were over 400,000 in 2007 and 2008.

Mr Utai says local communities are aware of the tourism threat and want to ensure the town does not fall into the trap that has damaged the identity of other emerging destinations in the north.

“Nan must resist mass tourism and keep its cultural identity and its way of life. Government officials need to listen to communities… Yes, we try to communicate with tourists to show what Nan has to offer such as culture and nature rather than entertainment, but we need tourists who appreciate culture.”

According to Mr Utai, 90% of tourism related investors are locals and that has made a big difference because they want to safeguard their home town. Outside investors are welcome, but they have to comply with local direction.

Accommodation is limited in Nan to around 1,500 rooms including guest houses. Most of them are small with the biggest offering no more than 160 rooms. The province has seven national parks that are ideal for camping. About 30 to 40 small establishments are due to open ranging from guest houses to homestay. Big hotels are not encouraged under local by-laws.

Mr Utai said  regulating and understanding carrying capacity as well as making recommendations on maintaining a sustainable tourism model are essential for survival.

Part of Nan’s tourism strategy and plans come under the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration.

DASTA senior community based tourism officer, Suksun Pengdith, says Nan is now a model for art and culture tourism development.

DASTA’s responsible areas cover 139.97 sq km in Nai Vieng, Du Tai, Bo Suak and Na Sao sub-districts in Muang district and Muang Tud sub-district in Phu Phieng district (Phra That Chae Haneg Temple).

The master plan will span five years from 2012 to 2016 with a Bt2 billion budget covering six areas – public participation, creating awareness, environment at tourism sites, tourism resources development, tourism business development and marketing. The plan awaits cabinet approval to go ahead.

Mr Suksun said feedback from locals was positive, but there were still conflicts that needed to be ironed out mainly about old houses and heritage that had to be preserved while there was pressure to commercialize buildings.