Green logistics for enhancing sustainable urban tourism development in Thailand's eastern economic corridor | |
| Author | Sanhakot Vithayaporn |
| Call Number | AIT Diss no.DS-23-02 |
| Subject(s) | Business logistics--Thailand, Eastern Tourism--Thailand, Eastern Urban ecology--Thailand, Eastern Sustainable development--Thailand, Eastern |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. DS-23-02 |
| Abstract | As a catalyst for economic growth, tourism can often overshadow its accompanying environmental repercussions, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). While the economic boon of tourism is well documented, its environmental toll—ranging from increased carbon emissions to waste generation—is becoming increasingly evident. It is within this context that green logistics emerges as a critical tool for mitigating environmental degradation while promoting sustainable urban tourism. Therefore, the adoption of green logistics is crucial in promoting sustainable urban tourism and mitigating environmental damage. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on this topic in Thailand. This research aims to fill an existing knowledge gap by examining both the supply side, represented by logistics enterprises, and the demand side, typified by international tourists, to understand the effectiveness and perception of green logistics initiatives in the EEC. The study adopts a comprehensive framework, integrating green logistics for urban tourism perspectives. It will be embedded in the process of tourist flows during their stay which encompass travel agencies, hotels/accommodations of all kinds, restaurant services, transportation, destination, entertainment/viewing, shopping, regulations of government governance and tourism organizations (especially in the context of urban environment). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study captures the perceptions and practices related to green logistics through surveys of 416 international tourists and semi-structured interviews with 25 key logistics enterprises. Data analysis employs PLS-SEM for the tourist surveys and content analysis for the enterprise interviews. The research identifies five key factors influencing the successful implementation of green logistics within the EEC: green transportation initiatives, advanced environmental management practices, the role of reverse logistics, government regulations, and the enterprises' perceived value of adopting green logistics. On the demand side, international tourists are most influenced by the green design of logistics systems, followed by reverse logistics, transportation management, and eco friendly practices. This study highlights the crucial role that both governmental bodies and logistics enterprises can play in championing green logistics to mitigate tourism's environmental impact. Green logistics plays a vital role in contributing to sustainable urban tourism development in three aspects of the environment, economic, and social. Furthermore, synergies the challenges how to interoperation between logistics enterprises and opportunities of establishing association to cooperate in implementing green logistics system in the EEC, Thailand, The findings offer academic insights and practical guidance for decision-makers aiming to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability in urban tourism settings. Future research should consider the varying cultural backgrounds of international tourists and expand stakeholder involvement to include local communities. The findings also hold the potential for broader applicability beyond the EEC, serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. DS-23-02 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development and Sustainability (DS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sasaki, Nophea;Santoso, Djoen San; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government;AIT Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |