Thai Man and Society Review

ECOTOURISM TRANSITIONS (2001-2025): FROM DISRUPTION TO REGENERATIVE PATHWAYS AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

2026-01-27T12:16:22+07:00

This documentary research comprehensively analyzes the evolution of global ecotourism from 2001 to 2025, synthesizing economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions. The study delineates three distinct phases: the pre-pandemic era of rapid growth and overtourism concerns; the COVID-19 crisis, which exposed systemic fragilities while accelerating digital adoption and domestic market shifts; and the post-pandemic recovery. The analysis reveals a critical paradigm shift in the latter phase, moving beyond traditional sustainable development toward Regenerative Tourism. This emerging model prioritizes the active restoration of natural and social capital, integrating Circular Economy principles and smart technology to address persistent inequalities. Results indicate that while ecotourism remains a vital economic driver, its future viability hinges on transcending mere conservation to foster deep community resilience. The study concludes that successful adaptation requires harmonizing high-tech innovations with local wisdom and enforcing rigorous policies. By mapping these transformative pathways, this review provides a foundational framework for policymakers and stakeholders to construct a robust, equitable ecotourism industry capable of navigating future global uncertainties.

EVOLUTION AND RESILIENCE IN COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM: A 25-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND POST-PANDEMIC TRAJECTORIES (2001-2025)

2026-03-06T11:40:00+07:00

This comprehensive review examines the evolution and transformative pathways of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) over 25 years (2001-2025), addressing significant gaps in epoch-specific analyses. Utilizing a documentary research approach, the study synthesizes developments in CBT across economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and governance dimensions, with a specific focus on Southeast Asian case studies. The analysis is delineated into three distinct phases. The pre-COVID-19 era (2001-2019) highlights CBT's rapid growth as a critical alternative to mass tourism, fostering multidimensional local empowerment while exposing persistent challenges, including overtourism, inequitable distribution of benefits, and capacity deficits. The COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) caused unprecedented industry disruption and severely impacted tourism-dependent livelihoods; however, it simultaneously catalyzed rapid digital adaptation and underscored the absolute necessity of community resilience. Finally, the post-COVID-19 epoch (2022-2025) reveals an uneven global recovery characterized by digital transformation, the strategic integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and the emergence of regenerative tourism frameworks. Ultimately, the future sustainability of CBT relies on robust local governance, equitable resource sharing, diversified income streams, and the strategic application of responsible technologies to build a resilient ecosystem that genuinely empowers host communities.

BEYOND TREATMENT: THE EVOLUTION, CRISIS RESILIENCE, AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF GLOBAL HEALTH TOURISM

2026-03-20T17:08:28+07:00

Health tourism has undergone a profound paradigm shift in the 21st century, transitioning from a narrow focus on medical treatment to a comprehensive emphasis on holistic well-being and prevention. This article comprehensively analyzes the evolution, trends, and multi-dimensional impacts of global health tourism across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods from 2001 to 2025. Utilizing a descriptive documentary research methodology, the study synthesizes secondary data to outline the sector's trajectory. Findings reveal that prior to COVID-19, the market experienced unprecedented expansion, heavily driven by specialized hubs in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. Although the pandemic caused severe disruption—evident in a 74% decline in international arrivals in 2020—it also served as a crucial catalyst for rapid industry innovation, particularly in digital health integration, contactless services, and the adaptation of domestic tourism. Despite this growth, critical academic and operational gaps persist regarding standardized definitions, inter-sectoral integration, and long-term patient outcomes. Ultimately, this study proposes strategic policy recommendations prioritizing quality standardization, equitable infrastructure investment, and sustainable cross-sectoral collaboration to foster a resilient health tourism ecosystem.

BEYOND THE BOARDROOM: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND RESILIENCE IN 21ST-CENTURY BUSINESS TRAVEL

2026-03-24T15:16:41+07:00

Business travel, a critical engine of the global economy, has undergone profound paradigm shifts in the 21st century. This article systematically analyzes the evolution, crisis adaptation, and future trajectories of the international business travel sector from 2001 to 2025. Utilizing a multi-dimensional documentary research framework—encompassing economic, technological, psychological, legal, and sustainability dimensions—the study evaluates three distinct eras: pre-pandemic growth, pandemic-induced disruption, and post-pandemic recovery. Findings indicate that while the pre-COVID-19 era was defined by robust economic expansion and the nascent emergence of "bleisure," the devastating 2020 crisis served as an unprecedented catalyst for digital transformation and remote work. Consequently, the post-pandemic landscape is no longer characterized by a return to the traditional status quo, but rather by the mainstreaming of bleisure travel, the proliferation of digital nomadism, and the accelerated integration of smart airport ecosystems. Furthermore, the analysis highlights a critical pivot towards environmental sustainability and enhanced corporate duty of care. Ultimately, this study proposes strategic policy recommendations for stakeholders to balance economic imperatives with social and environmental responsibilities, ensuring a resilient, technologically integrated, and adaptable future for global business travel.

BEYOND DISRUPTION: SYSTEMIC RESILIENCE AND THE POST-PANDEMIC TRANSFORMATION OF MICE TOURISM

2026-03-30T13:06:54+07:00

This article systematically analyzes the profound restructuring of the global Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shifting the academic discourse from temporary disruption to systemic transformation, the study employs a documentary research methodology alongside a multi-dimensional framework encompassing demand, supply, institutional governance, technology, and environmental sustainability. Findings conclusively reveal that the pandemic exposed intrinsic structural vulnerabilities, acting as a powerful catalyst for the rapid adoption of hybrid event models, stringent hygiene protocols, and advanced digital ecosystems. Post-pandemic recovery extends far beyond returning to pre-crisis operational metrics; it necessitates a fundamental redesign of the MICE value chain. Future trajectories indicate a permanent integration of blended onsite-online formats, increasingly shaped by complex geopolitical and environmental variables. Ultimately, this research provides strategic insights for policymakers, academics, and industry stakeholders, advocating for a paradigm shift toward inclusive economic growth, equitable community integration, and robust sustainability to ensure systemic resilience in the 21st century.