INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY INTO SPORTS TOURISM: A GSTC-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR THAILAND'S INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/aisr.2025.35Keywords:
Sustainable Sports Tourism, GSTC Framework, Event Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement, Tourism Policy IntegrationAbstract
This study examines the integration of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) framework into international sports event management in Thailand. Employing a mixed-methods design, quantitative survey data (n=400) from three host provinces were analyzed via PLS-SEM, revealing that socio-economic benefits strongly predict environmental impact (β = 0.887, p < 0.001) and that environmental performance enhances event management quality (β = 0.444, p = 0.003). Complementary qualitative interviews underscored four priority areas aligned with GSTC criteria: participatory governance, inclusive local business engagement, cultural heritage protection, and enforceable environmental controls. The findings advocate for a harmonized national policy model that bridges Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic strategy with GSTC standards to advance sustainable sports tourism. Practical recommendations include introducing tax incentives for green practices, adopting carbon monitoring systems, and strengthening cross-sector coordination. This research provides a validated framework and actionable strategies for embedding sustainability into large-scale events, offering policymakers, event organizers, and destination managers valuable insights to enhance long-term tourism resilience and regional competitiveness.
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