Sustainable eco-tourism management using waste minimization approach

Abstract

This ecotourism management research aims to study tourists' perceptions and expectations regarding waste management in ecotourism destinations. Using the Mae Taeng Elephant Park as a case study, it covers the solid waste situation and the development of appropriate waste management strategies based on the concept of waste minimization. This research collects data by distributing questionnaires, surveying the elephant park, interviewing the owner, manager, assistant manager, and head chef, and conducting a solid waste management audit within the park. Additionally, there are pilot activities such as improving the quality of compost from elephant dung and establishing separate waste disposal points to test the effectiveness of the waste management strategies. The study found that respondents rated waste management as one of the most common issues in tourist destinations. Examples of problems include not separating waste before disposal, lack of separate waste bins, and lack of awareness among tourists. These issues are also present in Mae Taeng Elephant Park. The park has to manage problems such as elephant dung, food scraps, and general waste daily. Therefore, the researcher proposes five strategies for improving waste management in ecotourism destinations and elephant parks: establishing a systematic waste management system, setting up appropriate separate waste disposal points, educating about waste separation, improving the quality of elephant dung compost, and creating biogas from leftover elephant dung.