Thailand Sets a Bold New Standard for Sustainable Travel with the Launch of the Green Tourism Collections, Showcasing 20 Curated Eco-Friendly Routes Across 10 Green Cities

Published on July 29, 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed the Thailand Green Tourism Collections – a collection of centrepiece initiatives presented to promote green tourism throughout the country. It is part of Thailand’s ongoing commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Tourism Goals, through The New Thailand Vision 2026. With the launching of this initiative, Thailand becomes a role model of ecotourism in the region and the world.

A New Chapter in Sustainable Travel

The Thailand Green Tourism Collections feature 20 meticulously curated sustainable travel routes across 10 designated Green Cities. These cities, each selected for their commitment to low-impact tourism and sustainable practices, include Chiang Mai, Nan, Sukhothai, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok, Trat, Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani. Developed in collaboration with EU tour operators and Thai public-private sector partners, the initiative reflects Thailand’s preparedness to meet the evolving sustainability regulations set forth by the European Union. This includes complying with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These regulations require EU companies to partner exclusively with suppliers who demonstrate transparent, measurable sustainability performance, aligning perfectly with Thailand’s Green Tourism goal.

The Thailand Green Tourism Collections are not merely a compliance measure but are crafted to offer Thai tourism operators a competitive edge in the global market. By meeting international sustainability standards, including certifications from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Green Globe, and Green Destinations, Thai tourism providers ensure they are well-positioned to attract eco-conscious travelers and meet the demands of sustainability-focused markets.

Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, said: “We developed the Thailand Green Tourism Collections in direct response to shifts in the EU market. It brings together certified, credible operators across the tourism supply chain — empowering Thai businesses to stay globally competitive and build long-term partnerships with the world’s most forward-looking travel sectors.”

Seven Pillars of Sustainability

The collections are built around seven distinct categories of sustainable experiences, each contributing to an environmentally responsible tourism sector. These categories include:

1. Green Accommodations – Lodging options that prioritize sustainability, from energy-efficient buildings to waste reduction initiatives.
2. Attractions – Tourist sites that integrate conservation efforts while offering engaging, educational experiences.
3. Activities – Eco-friendly activities that minimize environmental impact while showcasing Thailand’s natural beauty.
4. Restaurants – Establishments that focus on local, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients.
5. Goods – Handcrafted and locally produced goods that support Thai artisans and promote sustainability.
6. Logistics – Sustainable transportation options that reduce carbon footprints, such as electric vehicles and eco-friendly boat tours.
7. Tour Operators – Companies that design and operate tours based on sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximum community involvement.

Each featured operator in the Green Tourism Collections has met international benchmarks for sustainability, ensuring that visitors enjoy authentic, eco-conscious experiences without compromising quality or enjoyment.

Mr. Natthapong Meepokakij, Director of Chom Thong District in Bangkok and one of the programme’s early champions, said: “As Green Mayor, I see this as a real opportunity to improve quality of life in a balanced and sustainable way. Chom Thong’s cultural roots, canal-side lifestyle, and strong community offer the perfect foundation for a tourism model that protects the environment, celebrates heritage, and brings income back to local people.”

Green Cities: A Hub for Low-Impact Tourism

The 10 Green Cities at the heart of the initiative are not just locations; they represent a collective shift towards a more sustainable form of tourism. Chosen with input from 26 travel platforms and tour companies, these cities are recognized for their potential to offer low-impact, inclusive tourism experiences. The 20 routes designed within these cities are based on TAT’s “5 Must Do in Thailand” strategy, emphasizing the country’s cultural heritage, local cuisine, soft adventure, sustainable luxury, crafts, and community-based travel experiences. These routes provide travelers with a deep, immersive experience that allows them to connect with Thailand’s rich culture and natural beauty in a sustainable way.

Empowering Local Communities Through the Green Mayor Initiative

To enhance local involvement and foster greater community engagement, TAT has also introduced the Green Mayor initiative. Launched in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, this program is aimed at embedding sustainability at the municipal level. Through this initiative, local communities actively participate in route design, ensuring that sustainability practices are deeply rooted in the local culture. This initiative also plays a crucial role in the branding of these destinations as eco-friendly, helping them stand out in the competitive global tourism market.

Mrs. Chiravadee concluded: “Green tourism is not just a concept — it’s a national commitment. Through cross-sector collaboration, we’re not only making sustainability a reality, but we’re also making it scalable. Our goal is clear: to lead the world as a top-tier sustainable tourism destination.”

Bringing the Concept to Life

The official launch of the Thailand Green Tourism Collections took place at Phumjai Garden, Bangkok, where the concept was brought to life for the first time. The event featured a panel discussion with the Green Mayors and an experiential journey along one of the featured routes. Attendees had the opportunity to explore Bang Khun Thian canal by electric boat, tour a century-old orchard, visit the Khlong Bang Luang Artist House, and witness sustainable farming in action at Uncle Ree’s Farm. This immersive experience demonstrated firsthand how tourism can be integrated with environmental conservation, showcasing sustainable practices that benefit both travelers and local communities.

International Outreach and Promotions

To build international momentum and attract eco-conscious travelers, TAT has begun a series of global-facing activities. These activities include online product presentations to TAT’s overseas offices and strategic partners, product showcases, and familiarization trips for agents and media. Additionally, targeted promotions will be launched across the EU and US markets, in collaboration with trade allies. Key opinion leaders (KOLs), influencers, bloggers, and nano-creators on social media platforms will amplify the message, helping to reach a wider global audience.

The Thailand Green Tourism Collections will be officially introduced to global buyers at WTM London 2025, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s transition toward a sustainability-led tourism future.

Thailand’s Green Tourism Collections represent not only Thailand’s dedication to sustainable tourism, but also offer a measurable standard by which other countries seek to improve their tourism industry’s contribution to environmental and social responsibility. Government-backed initiatives combined with community intervention and international cooperation, are shaping a new greener future of tourism in Thailand. The Thailand Green Tourism Collections will be a game changer for how the world look at travel and sustainability, a unique opportunity offering whole new experiences for this planet while traveling in Thailand as a environmentally-friendly adventure, with supporting local communities and maintaining the richness of cultural and natural heritage in the country!

This is an exciting new chapter in the unfolding story of tourism in Thailand; a chapter in which sustainability, community and immersion in Thai culture are combined to ensure an unforgettable, responsible travel experience.