As the world turns more and more toward the concept of sustainability, the travel and tourism industry is seeing more awareness of the need for responsible tourism practices.
The Expedia Group’s 2023 Traveler Value Index shows that terms related to sustainability and eco-friendliness were mentioned twice as often in January 2022 as they were in January 2021.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says it is fully on board with the global shift towards more responsible travel practices. Sadudee Sangnil, Director of TAT in London, says that the sustainable travel trend which gained momentum in 2022 will continue to bring issues around the environmental and social impact of travel to the forefront of public discourse well into 2023.
Sangnil believes that thinking of tourism holistically is the key to building a more sustainable industry. “Eco-tourism reaps multiple benefits for travellers, local communities and the environment. It also provides countries like Thailand with the opportunity to build its economy in a way that will preserve its natural resources, landscapes, wildlife and people for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
Three pristine locations in Thailand have been awarded for their sustainable and enviro-conscious offerings at the recent Thailand Tourism Awards. They are:
1. Big Blue Conservation on Ko Tao, Surat Thani
Big Blue Conservation is an initiative dedicated to protecting the delicate ecosystems of Ko Thao, a 21sq km island in the Chumphon Archipelago on the west coast of Thailand that is home to some of the world’s most fascinating marine and coastal life and dense indigenous vegetation. It aims to educate both locals and tourists on the importance of nature conservation and assists government to ensure that the activities of the island’s dive centres make the smallest possible impact on the reefs. Visitors to the area can take conservation courses, get involved in beach clean-ups and learn more about the marine research being conducted in the area.
2. Laem Sak Community Tourism Enterprise
An hour’s drive from Krabi airport is a collection of 10 villages that make up the Laem Sak Community Tourism Enterprise. The initiative aims to protect the marine and coastal resources in the surrounding areas and uses community tourism as a tool for local development. Laem Sak is steeped in cultural heritage, home to a community of Buddhists and Muslims who have lived together in unity for many years.
3. Tongsai Bay on Ko Samui, Surat Thani
Since its establishment in 1987, the five-star luxury hotel has prioritised the wellbeing of the area’s natural resources and has implemented various conversation processes to protect the indigenous wildlife and vegetation that surrounds this lush, thriving part of Thailand. The hotel is run according to a stringent green policy that governs all operations and encompasses several aspects of sustainability including education for guests on how to make responsible decisions during their stay.
