SUSTAINABILITY

Thailand Unites to Accelerate Sustainable Tourism Goals Towards 2030

On 21st July 2025, in Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), along with 20 public and private partners, signed a landmark Letter of Intent to advance Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) by 2030. This agreement marks a unified national commitment to transforming Thailand’s tourism industry through sustainability, aligned with TAT’s Strategic Direction 2026.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, called the signing a significant milestone, praising TAT and partners for their shared purpose in creating a responsible, inclusive, and future-ready tourism sector.

The agreement builds on Thailand’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adapting global targets into actionable plans specific to tourism. Under TAT’s leadership, the STGs aim to balance economic growth, social equity, environmental protection, and good governance.

Among the 21 signatories are eight government bodies, including TAT, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Private and civil society partners include the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Thai Hotels Association (THA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Central Group, and Dusit Thani.

Together, these organizations seek to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable tourism. The agreement commits to reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, protecting biodiversity, and raising management standards. Equity and community involvement are central to this effort, aiming to create a national model for inclusive, sustainable tourism aligned with the SDGs.

Each partner has outlined strategic initiatives. TAT will help tourism businesses achieve sustainability certification through programs like STGs STAR and the Carbon Footprint Hotels Platform. The DOT will lead the Thailand Green Plan 2030 and promote the Thailand Good Travel Seal, targeting upgrades at 100 sites by 2030.

TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool highlighted the agreement’s importance, stating it’s a decisive step toward protecting natural resources, benefiting communities, and ensuring long-term resilience through sustainable growth.

Though non-binding, the Letter of Intent sets a clear direction, with joint progress reviews and potential extension beyond its initial one-year term.

Source : TAT