Tourists' Attitudes Toward Low Carbon Tourism in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand

Abstract

Global warming remains a pressing global concern in 2025, driven by human activities across sectors such as population growth, economic expansion, industrialization, and the rapid development of tourism. In response, the Thai government has promoted "Low Carbon Tourism" as a strategic initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This study investigates tourists’ attitudes toward low carbon tourism within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).Data were collected from 286 tourists visiting the EEC using structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included percentage, mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffé’s post hoc test, with significance determined at the 0.05 level.Results indicate that most respondents were female, aged 22–38, held a bachelor’s degree, worked in private-sector companies, and earned a monthly income between 30,001 and 50,000 baht. Overall, tourists expressed a high level of importance regarding low carbon tourism in the EEC. Specifically, attitudes were strongly positive in areas such as green mindset, green attractions, green communities, green activities, green services, and green plus. However, attitudes toward green transportation were rated at a moderate level.Significant differences in attitudes were found based on demographic factors. Gender differences were observed in perceptions of green attractions, while educational background influenced attitudes toward green mindset and green transportation, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level.