Thai Tourism Going 'Green'
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai tourism industry are jointly pursuing ‘green initiatives’ in an effort to maintain the delicate balance between tourism promotion and environmental protection to ensure long-term sustainability.
Promoted under the Seven Greens concept developed by TAT, the initiative to protect and preserve the environment and restore environmental quality by raising environmental awareness and by promoting increased Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involves the active participation and support of all tourism stakeholders. These include state agencies involved in promoting tourism, private sector tourism operators and tourism-related service providers, as well as public and non-governmental organizations, communities, media representatives and individual tourists — both Thai and foreign.
The Thai tourism industry firmly believes that efforts to protect and preserve the environment are consistent with Thailand’s quest to achieve sustainable tourism.
“The growing concern worldwide over global warming and climate change has led to dramatic changes in consumer attitudes, travel seasonality and other travel patterns and trends,” notes Ms Sasi-Apha Sukontarat, Executive Director of TAT’s Product Promotion Department.
“It is influencing individual choices regarding travel destinations, the length of trips and other factors such as the availability of environmentally-friendly modes of transport and environmentally-responsible service providers,” she explains.
“With an ever-increasing number of well-informed and discerning world travellers looking to significantly reduce their carbon footprint by opting for environmentally-friendly travel and tourism related products and services, the adoption of a green agenda for Thailand ensures that the destination and the Thai tourism industry retain international competitiveness. By keeping pace with the latest trends in global travel, this strengthens Thailand’s global image as a dynamic and relevant ‘brand.’”
By embracing green initiatives, the Thai tourism industry is communicating its stand and positioning the Thai kingdom as an environmentally-responsible player on the world stage. The Thai tourism industry has voiced strong support for global efforts to minimize and offset the effects of global warming which are causing severe climate change in various parts of the world.
“As the national tourism organization (NTO), TAT recognizes the significance of these shifts in lifestyle preferences and travel trends. It has therefore launched a concerted effort to promote environmentally-friendly and energy-saving tourism programmes and travel packages designed to create as little negative impact to the environment as possible,” says Executive Director Sasi-Apha.
TAT’s Green initiatives for Thai tourism consist of four key elements: The implementation of the Seven Greens concept (outlined below)
The creation and development of a database of environmentally-responsible tourism operators and service providers offering green or environmentally-friendly tourism products and services. (Raising the local and international visibility and awareness of these green tourism operators and service providers falls within TAT’s tourism promotion mandate.)
The development or selection of green tourism destinations that are positive role models
The organization of meetings, conferences and educational seminars on tourism in this new era
TAT’s Seven Greens programme provides a conceptual framework and establishes practical guidelines for carefully balancing tourism promotion and a healthy, sustainable environment. It facilitates the formation of strategic partnerships and provides a cooperative framework for the implementation of green initiatives in the following seven areas.
Green Heart: to urge tourists to be socially responsible and environmentally aware as well as to be part of global efforts to help protect and preserve the environment at all tourist attractions
Green Logistics: to encourage more environmentally-friendly tourism-related modes of transport to minimize direct and indirect environmental impact
Green Destinations: to promote responsibly managed tourist sites that respect the environment
Green Communities: to support community-based tourism in both urban and rural areas that place greater importance on responsible tourism management, and that also promote conservation of the environment, local traditions and ways of life
Green Activities: to promote tourism activities that are well-suited to local communities. These provide visitors with engaging and culturally-enriching experiences without compromising the integrity of the environment. This includes taking carrying capacity into proper consideration.
Green Service: to urge all tourism-related service providers to create positive first impressions for visitors, and to win hearts and minds by attaining higher quality assurance standards whilst demonstrating respect, care and concern for the environment
Green[Plus]+: to encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among operators by encouraging them to give back to the communities in which they operate. For example, by refraining from undertaking any acts that might cause environmental damage. It also includes seeking their active participation in various activities and seeking their support for tourism business operators, manufacturers and organizations that promote energy-saving initiatives or develop renewable energy sources and environmentally-friendly products.
TAT is working in collaboration with all stakeholders in the Thai tourism industry to chart an appropriate course and clearly identify the individual roles and responsibilities to be undertaken by each entity. This means developing jointly an integrated industry plan to promote tourism activities that reflect respect for the environment and place greater importance on the conservation of natural resources. This will help to significantly reduce the forces that contribute to global warming and precipitate drastic climate change.
TAT together with partners in both the private and government sectors will ensure that the implementation of the initial phase is successfully completed during a three-year pilot period from 2008-2010.
EXAMPLES
Green Logistics Green Destinations Green Communities Green Activities
Green Service/Green Accommodation
GREEN LOGISTICS Environmentally-friendly bicycle tours organized by bicycle tour companies or the Cycling for Health Association
For example, Ampawa bike ride, Gulf of Thailand bike ride and Khao Yai to Ayutthaya bike ride offered by Bike & Travel
Contact information:
Web site: www.cyclingthailand.com
E-mail: manager@cyclingthailand.com
Trips offered by the State Railway of Thailand
Sightseeing around Rattanakosin Island by tram
Sightseeing by horse-drawn carriage in Lampang
Night tour of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya by trishaw
GREEN DESTINATIONS
Thailand’s Pollution Control Department recently introduced star-ratings for beaches around Thailand.
Beaches with Excellent Environmental Quality (five-star rating)
Bileh Beach in Krabi province
Koh Lidi (Lidi island) in Satun province
Beaches with Good Environmental Quality (four-star rating)
Phuket province
Haat Layan beach
Krabi Province
Haat Losaama beach, Haat Laem Thong beach, Haat Koh Pai beach,
Haat Laem Tanot beach, Haat Ngai beach, Haat Koh Rok beach
Hua Hin/Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Haat Naresuan beach, Haat Hua Hin beach
Surat Thani Province
Haat Sam Sao beach, Hat Ao Kha beach
Chon Buri province
Haat Samae beach
Narathiwat province: Ao Manao Beach
Haat Haw Khao beach in Satun province
Songkhla province: Rai Kaeow Beach
Trang province
Haat Yong Lin beach, Hat Ratchamongkon beach
WINNERS OF THE 2006 THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS
TOURIST ATTRACTION – NATURAL SITES
Central Region Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi province
Award of Excellence for Natural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 3457 4222, 08 1814 2930
Fax: +66 (0) 3457 4288
Address: Mu 4 Tha Kradan sub-district, Si Sawat district,
Kanchanaburi 71250
Kaeng Krachan National Park,
Phetchaburi province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 3245 9293, 0 3245 9291
Fax: +66 (0) 3245 9293
Address: Mu 8, Kaeng Krachan sub-district,
Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi 76170
Southern Region Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani province
Award of Excellence for Natural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 7739 5139, (0) 1515 3351
Fax: +66 (0) 7739 5155
Address: Mu 6 Khlong Sok sub-district, Phanom district, Surat Thani
Northeastern Region Tat Ton National Park, Chaiyaphum province
Award of Excellence for Natural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 4485 3333
Fax: +66 (0) 4485 3333
Address: Na Fai sub-district, Mueang Chaiyaphum district, Chaiyaphum 36000
Pha Taem National Park,
Ubon Ratchathani province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 4524 9780
Fax: +66 (0) 4524 6333
Address: Mu 7 Huai Phai sub-district, Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani 34220
TOURIST ATTRACTION – CULTURAL SITES
Bangkok Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre
Hun Lakhon Lek (Naattayasala)
Award of Excellence for Cultural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 9683 - 4
Fax: +66 (0) 2252 9685
Address: 1875 Suan-Lum Night Bazaar, Rama IV Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Northern Region Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre,
Chiang Mai province
Award of Excellence for Cultural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 5321 7793, (0) 5321 9833
Fax: +66 (0) 5321 9833
Address: Phra Pokklao Road, Siphum sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai 50200
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park,
Chiang Rai province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Cultural Site
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 1968
Address: 313 Mu 7, Ban Pa Ngiao, Rop Wiang sub-district,
Mueang Chiang Rai district, Chiang Rai 57000
Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park,
Chiang Rai province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Recreational Site
Tel: +66 (0) 5378 4444 - 6
Fax: +66 (0) 5365 2133
Address: Ban Sop Ruak, Chiang Saen district,
Chiang Rai 57150
TOURIST ATTRACTION – RECREATIONAL SITES
Central Region Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden,
Chon Buri province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Recreational Site
Tel: +66 (0) 3870 9360 – 2
Fax: +66 (0) 3823 8160
Address: Nong Nooch Village, 34/1 Mu 7, Na Chomthian sub-district, Sattahip district, Chon Buri 20180
Web site: www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com/en/aboutUs.asp
TOURIST ATTRACTION – ECOTOURISM SITES
Klong Rua Village, Chumphon province
Award of Excellence for Ecotourism Site
Tel: +66 (0) 7895 0501, (0) 6563 9117
Address: Mu 9 Pak Song sub-district, Pha To district, Chumphon 86180
Sakae Rat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Ecotourism Site
Tel: +66 (0) 4425 8642, (0) 4424 2533
Fax: +66 (0) 4424 2534
Address: 1 Mu 9, Udom Sap sub-district,
Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima 30370
TOURIST ATTRACTION – AGRO-TOURISM SITES
Chokchai Farm, Nakhon Ratchasima province
Award of Excellence for Agro-Tourism Site
Tel: +66 (0) 2532 2846 – 8
Fax: +66 (0) 2531 2436
Address: Head office – 294 Mu 8, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Khu Klot sub-district, Lam Luk Ka district,
Pathum Thani 12130
GREEN COMMUNITIES
WINNERS OF THE 2007 THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS FOR COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM
http://www.tatnews.org/tat_corporate/3601.asp
Northern Thailand
Ban Pa Miang Eco tourism Village, Lampang province
Ban Tha Pa Pao, Lamphun province
Ban Huai Tong Ko Eco tourism Group, Mae Hong Son province
Central Thailand
Khlong Khlon Ecotourism Community Enterprise, Samut Songkhram province
Ban Bang Phlap Agrotourism Center, Samut Songkhram province
Ban Hua Hat Tourist Center, Samut Songkhram province
Northeastern Thailand
Ban Prasat Homestay, Nakhon Ratchasima province
The Elephant Village, Surin province
Homestay of the Community Forest and Local Food, Nong Khai province
Southern Thailand
Ban Ko Phithak Community, Chumphon province
Krung Ching Sea of Mist’s Group, Nakhon Si Thammarat province
Group of Community Tourism Management, Ban Bo Chet Luk, Satun province
GREEN ACTIVITIES Green Fins – Environmentally-friendly Diving in Thailand
http://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/3496.asp
Green Fins Code of Conduct
http://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/3498.asp#code
COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN GREEN FINS THAILAND
http://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/3498.asp
Environmentally-friendly tourism activities that comply with rules and regulations governing activities undertaken within national parks
GREEN SERVICE/GREEN ACCOMMODATION
GREEN LEAF HOTELS AND RESORTS IN THAILAND
http://www.tatnews.org/tourism_news/2073.asp
THE GREEN LEAF FOUNDATION
http://www.greenleafthai.org/home_en.asp
WINNERS OF THE 2006 THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS
TOURISM ACCOMMODATION, URBAN (more than 80 rooms)
Southern Region Thumrin Thana Hotel, Trang province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Tourist Accommodation – City hotel of over 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 7522 3226
Fax: +66 (0) 7522 3289
Address: 69/8 Huai Yot Road, Thap Thiang sub-district, Mueang Trang district, Trang 92000
Eastern Region Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa,
Chon Buri province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Tourist Accommodation – City hotel of over 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 3841 2120
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9926
Address: 218 Beach Road, Mueang Pattaya district,
Chon Buri 20260
Central Region Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa,
Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Award of Excellence for Resort of over 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 3251 1887 Ext. 1901
Fax: +66 (0) 3251 2562
Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin district,
Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Sofitel Central Hua Hin,
Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of over 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2021 - 38
Fax: +66 (0) 3251 1014
Address: 1 Damnoen Kasem Road, Hua Hin district,
Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
TOURISM ACCOMMODATION, RESORT (more than 80 rooms)
Southern Region JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Phuket province
Award of Excellence for Resort hotel of over 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 7633 8000 Ext. 2006
Fax: +66 (0) 7634 8360
Address: 231 Mu 3, Hat Mai Khao, Thalang district, Phuket 83110
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket province Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of over 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 7633 0124 - 6
Fax: +66 (0) 7633 0127
Address: 14 Kata Noi Road, Karon sub-district, Mueang Phuket district, Phuket 83110
TOURISM ACCOMMODATION, RESORT (less than 80 rooms)
Northern Region Suanthip Vana Resort, Chiang Rai province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of less than 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 5372 4226 – 9
Fax: +66 (0) 5372 4230
Address: 49 Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Road, Mae Suai district, Chiang Rai 57180
The Tubkaak Boutique Resort Krabi,
Krabi province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of less than 80 rooms
Tel: +66 (0) 7562 8400
Fax: +66 (0) 7562 8499 Attn: Khun Siriporn
Address: 123 Mu 3, Hat Thap Kaek, Nong Tha-le sub-district, Mueang Krabi district, Krabi 81000
TOURISM ACCOMMODATION – CONVENTION HOTEL
Northeastern Region Sofitel Raja Orchid Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen province
Award of Excellence for Convention Hotel
Tel: +66 (0) 4332 2155
Address: 3/9 Pracha Samran Road, Meuang Khon Kaen district, Khon Kaen
Eastern Region Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya,
Chon Buri province
Award of Excellence for Convention Hotel
Tel: +66 (0) 3823 0421
Fax: +66 (0) 3825 0511, (0) 3825 0513
Address: 353 Phra Tamnak Road, Bang Lamung district,
Chon Buri 20150
Dusit Resort Pattaya, Chon Buri province
Award of Outstanding Performance for Convention Hotel
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 5611 – 7
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 8239
Address: 240/2 Mu 5, Na Kleua sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri
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