Thailand’s Big Push for Green Travel

Beginner | August 7, 2025

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Thailand Embraces Eco-Tourism

Why Green Travel Matters

Thailand is actively working to become a leader in Thailand eco-friendly tourism throughout Southeast Asia. The country focuses on making tourism sustainable, integrating new initiatives into its national strategy for 2025 and beyond. This push towards green travel brings significant economic benefits. In 2024, eco-tourism contributed 10% of Thailand’s tourism revenue, reaching USD 33.2 million. Experts project this market to grow significantly, reaching USD 143.9 million by 2034. Clearly, many travelers support this shift. A large number of Thai travelers, 65%, are willing to pay more for sustainable experiences. Furthermore, 62% would pay extra to avoid single-use plastics, showing strong local support for these efforts.

However, a challenge remains in the hotel sector. As of May 2025, fewer than 1% of hotels in Thailand meet international sustainability standards, with only 109 hotels certified. This situation presents a big opportunity for the hospitality industry to modernize and adopt more green practices.

New Initiatives and Green Destinations

Key Programs Driving Change in Thailand Eco-Friendly Tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched many programs to promote sustainable tourism. On July 29, 2025, TAT introduced the “Thailand Green Tourism Collections.” This initiative highlights 20 eco-friendly travel routes across 10 special “Green Cities,” including popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Krabi. These routes focus on low-impact travel, community-based tourism, and protecting the environment. Additionally, Thailand has adopted 17 Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), similar to the UN’s goals. The STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating) system recognizes businesses that follow these goals, and over 250 businesses have already earned certification.

Promoting Low-Carbon Tourism in Thailand

Thailand also actively promotes low-carbon tourism. TAT partners with organizations to encourage energy-efficient transport, like improving rail networks, and supports local food sourcing and green accommodations. The government aims for 30% of new vehicles to be electric by 2030 and 100% zero-emission vehicle production by 2035. Thailand also seeks international help to improve its sustainability measures. The country will host Asia’s second Tourism Cares summit in 2025, partnering with a US-based NGO to boost regenerative tourism.

Discovering Eco-Friendly Gems

Many specific places in Thailand are also embracing eco-friendly practices. Koh Samui and Koh Tao are committed to low-impact tourism. For instance, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe home for elephants, and communities in Koh Tao use organic composting and solar panels. Hotels in Phuket, like JW Marriott Phuket Resort, work together to protect leatherback turtles through initiatives like Nesting Beach Patrols. Community tourism is growing too, supporting local economies and traditions; Courageous Kitchen in Bangkok offers tours that help young people. Many hotels across Chiang Mai and Phuket are now adopting green practices, reducing waste, saving water, and using less energy. AKARYN Hotel Group, for example, pioneered eliminating single-use plastics. Ultimately, Thailand expects to welcome 40 million tourists in 2025 and could reach 50 million visitors annually by 2030, attracting many eco-savvy and wellness-focused travelers.

Vocabulary

Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment.
Example: “Many hotels in Thailand are becoming more eco-friendly to protect nature.”
Sustainability (noun): The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Example: “The country’s new plan focuses on the sustainability of its tourism industry.”
Initiatives (noun): New plans or processes to achieve something.
Example: “The government launched several new initiatives to promote green tourism.”
Projected (verb): Estimated or forecast something based on present trends.
Example: “The eco-tourism market is projected to grow significantly in the next decade.”
Substantial (adjective): Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Example: “A substantial number of travelers are willing to pay more for green options.”
Certified (adjective): Officially recognized as meeting certain standards.
Example: “Only a few hotels are certified as eco-friendly, but this number will grow.”
Emphasize (verb): Give special importance to something.
Example: “These new travel routes emphasize low-impact tourism and community benefits.”
Adoption (noun): The action or fact of choosing to use something.
Example: “The adoption of electric vehicles is an important part of low-carbon tourism.”
Regenerative (adjective): Restoring or renewing something, especially the environment.
Example: “Thailand is working with international groups to promote regenerative tourism.”
Diversifying (verb): Making or becoming more varied or different.
Example: “Thailand is diversifying its tourism base by attracting travelers from new countries.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is Thailand’s main goal for its tourism industry in the coming years?
How much did eco-tourism contribute to Thailand’s revenue in 2024, and what is the projection for 2034?
What is the “Thailand Green Tourism Collections” initiative, and what does it focus on?
Can you name two specific places in Thailand that are known for their eco-friendly practices mentioned in the article?
How are Thai travelers showing their support for sustainable tourism?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do you think eco-friendly tourism is becoming more popular around the world?
What are some small things a tourist can do to make their trip more eco-friendly?
Do you think governments should invest more in promoting sustainable travel? Why or why not?
Would you be willing to pay more for a sustainable travel experience? Explain your answer.
What challenges might a country face when trying to become a leader in eco-tourism?

Related Idiom

Go green

Meaning: To adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle or practices.
Example: “Many hotels in Thailand are trying to go green by reducing waste and using less energy.”

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This article was inspired by: Times of India (August 1, 2025)