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For
a long time, tourism activities to Hilltribe
villages have been characterized as short stops to a group
of houses and stalls selling souvenirs that are not even
made in that village. This kind of tourism activity is
so contrived that tourists feel they are not learning
anything about the people they are visiting. Often
there is no contact between tourists and villagers. In
this type of activity.
Villagers selling trinkets and souvenirs often harass
tourists. Taking photos of Hilltribe women is often followed
by up-turned open palms asking compensation for the pictures
taken.
The Community-based Tourism
Development Project Which is being piloted
at the village of Ban Lorcha (See map) hopes to provide
an alternative model of tourism to HIlltribe Villages.
A very modest entrance fee is being charged to pay for development
costs, maintenance and operating expenses. Tour guides
and tour leaders are exempt from paying the entrance fee.
Income earned from this activity will be deposited
into a village development fund to assist orphans, widows
and the elderly. A fraction of the income will
is set aside for a Hilltribe Tourism Development Foundation
so that this project can be replicated in other villages.
In exchange for this fee, visitors will be treated to a full
tour of the community with villagers demonstrating activities
normally done in their village but rarely seen unless
you live in the community for a long period of time.
Thai language-capable village chaperones will accompany tour
groups to act as resource persons.
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