PATA Grand and Gold Award 2012 Winners

EnvironmentEcotourism ProjectOrganic Agriculture Project, Sukhothai AirportTourism Authority of Thailand and Natural Rice Co Ltd, Thailandwww.tourismthailand.orgwww.kaohomsukhothai.comThe Organic Agriculture Project at Sukhothai Airport was initiated in 2003 and has developed tocover over 150 acres with another 150 being anticipated for the next few years. Natural Rice is theowner of the project. It aims to promote agricultural practices for better health and to promote arespect for nature. The project produces organic rice, vegetables and fruits to supply companiessuch as Bangkok Airways, the Sukhothai Heritage Resort and Bangkok Air Catering. The projectoffers visitors a chance to experience first-hand the lives of the millions of farmers who grow ricewithout chemicals, artificial colouring and genetically modified organisms.Various activities are available for visitors, from short half-day visits to three days of intensivetraining. Tourists can enjoy activities such as an overview presentation of the project, a ride on afarm truck with a local guide, lessons in cooking easy Thai dishes using local farm products, theearly morning collection duck eggs, riding buffalos the traditional way, working in the farm anddoing craft work.“It is an excellent project. It achieves its purpose of raising awareness of environmental issues whileincreasing the number of visitors. The local community also benefits from better environmentalpractices as well as revenues from responsible tourism” - Judge’s comment.