Thailand’s New Eco-Tourism Era

November 10, 2023

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) uses the WTM 2023 platform to launch its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept to a worldwide tourism industry audience and celebrate winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023.
Present at the Amazing Thailand Press Conference on 6 November were the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and TAT executives. Members of the global media and industry professionals attended the event.

The annual Responsible Thailand Awards recognises the kingdom’s champions of sustainable tourism in six categories comprising 1) Animal Welfare, 2) Nature, 3) Marine and Heritage, 4) Community-based Tourism, 5) Hotel, Eco Lodge/Eco Hotel, and 6) Green Steps. This year, the winners are Mahouts Elephant Foundation, New Heaven Reef Conservation Programme, Kao Thep Pitak Community Restaurant, Devasom Khao Lak Resort, Elephant Hills, and Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary.

Following the Awards presentation, Ms Thapanee delivered a media briefing and unveiled a new TVC on the ‘Meaningful Relationship’ communication concept.

The concept will be incorporated into TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thailand as a sustainable and responsible tourism.

As well as the annual Responsible Thailand Awards, TAT has developed and implemented its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations Development Programme.

TAT’s STGs encompass the Thai tourism industry in a Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system. Businesses that comply with the goals will attain a corresponding number of stars. Currently, there are 251 businesses with STAR certifications in Thailand.

Meanwhile, the biannual Thailand Tourism Awards has long signified the quality and excellence in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality operations. This year’s awards included a new low-carbon and sustainability category in the latest edition.

TAT’s partner, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), in collaboration with Tourlink, has developed seven carbon-neutral travel routes for travellers wanting to explore Thailand while helping reduce the environmental impact. Featured destinations include Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Phangnga, Trat, Phetchaburi, and the three Isan provinces of Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Loei.

Along with sustainable and responsible tourism experiences to create meaningful relationships, TAT continues to shape supply and elevate quality in luxury, wellness, and secondary destinations. To promote Thailand as an all-year-round destination for the long-haul market, the ‘Thailand 365 Days’ campaign will be launched to attract international tourists to explore the diversity of events, festivals and destinations nationwide.

For the UK market, TAT will place focus on potential segments with higher spending, a tendency to stay longer, wanting to explore local areas and care for the environment. These segments include luxury, wellness, responsible travellers, repeaters and first-timers – Millennials and new UK cities.

From 1 January – 31 October 2023, Thailand recorded over 21.6 million arrivals and generated over 20.61 billion Pounds Sterling (927 billion Baht). The top five markets are Malaysia (3,342,819), China (2,778,595), South Korea (1,313,781), India (1,283,340), and Russia (1,097,361), while the UK market contributed 617,017 tourists.

By the end of 2023, TAT expects to see around 80% of the overall tourism revenue generated in 2019, or 52.88 billion Pounds Sterling (2.38 trillion Baht). This includes tourism revenue of 33.33 Pounds Sterling (1.5 trillion Baht) from around 25-30 million arrivals. The UK market expects 795,214 tourists and revenue of 1.37 billion Pounds Sterling (62,000 million Baht).

The 2024 target is a total revenue of 66.66 billion Pounds Sterling (3 trillion Baht) with 42.66 billion Pounds Sterling (1.92 trillion Baht) coming from the international market. From the UK, the target is 940,000 tourists and revenue of 1.88 billion Pounds Sterling (84,860 million Baht).