Kathu District Chief Teeraphong Chuaychu officiated the launch of the project, titled "Activities to Promote Learning for Tourists", at Kamala Beach yesterday (Feb 29).
The project is to highlight community tourism at the OTOP Nawatwithi Ban Nok Lay in Moo 3, Kamala, and Ban Hua Kuan in Moo 5, Kamala.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Mukda Limnukul of the Phuket Provincial Community Development Office, Pansiri Phaewpairi of the Kathu District Community Development Office, as well as heads of provincial and district government agencies, officials from the Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) and local residents.
"I am very pleased to chair the opening ceremony of this community tourism promotion project,” Mr Teeraphong said.
“The goal is to develop the capacity of entrepreneurs, organisation groups, and households to hold activities that consumers and tourists can participate in, thereby generating additional income opportunities,” he added.
The primary objective of the community tourism promotion project is to facilitate knowledge transfer and activities tailored to the interests of tourists, he added.
Termed as "Decentralised Hands-On Program Exhibition" (D-HOPE), these initiatives aim to support local tourist services, enhance public relations for community entrepreneurs, and familiarise tourists and the general public with target tourism communities, Mr Teeraphong explained.
“The initiative is aligned with the Sufficiency Economy philosophy and reflects the mission of the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Interior to promote grassroots community economies and enhance the quality of life and income of local residents,” he said.
“The Community Development Department has allocated resources to support these activities, assigning the Provincial Development Office and District Community Development Office as the implementing agencies. These efforts are focused on identifying and nurturing creative tourism programs and encouraging active participation from all sectors.
“The launch of such community-driven initiatives underscores the commitment of local authorities to sustainable development and economic resilience, promising a brighter future for Kathu District’s tourism landscape and its vibrant communities,” Mr Teeraphong noted.