Thailand Tourism Rises to the Challenge with Six Destinations in 2024 Green Destinations Top 100

Published on October 23, 2024

Thailand tourism has received a boost as six Thai destinations have been included in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, reflecting the country’s growing focus on sustainable development. These success stories, submitted by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), highlight the best practices adopted by various regions across the nation.

Chiang Khan and Songkhla City were acknowledged in the “Thriving Communities” category for their contributions to community-driven tourism. U Thong Ancient City earned recognition for its excellence in “Destination Management,” while Wiang Phu Phiang Chae Haeng was honored in the “Culture and Tradition” category for preserving local heritage.

Hua Hin, represented by the city’s municipality, was recognized for its environmental efforts in the “Environment and Climate” category. Uthai Thani Old Town, submitted by its municipality, was celebrated for upholding the rich cultural traditions of the region. This recognition highlights Thailand’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said “TAT congratulates DASTA, Hua Hin Municipality and UThai Thani Town Municipality as well as the people of all six destinations for their initiatives and efforts in sustainable tourism practices. These recognitions reflect TAT’s vision to position Thailand as a sustainable, experience-based tourism destination in line with our ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’ communication concept.”

The six stories can be downloaded using the following links:

• Chiang Khan – Managing Tourism Impact through Participatory Processes
• Hua Hin – The Journey to Becoming a Garbage-Free City
• Songkhla City – Songkhla Old Town Revival: A Community-Driven Transformation
• U Thong Ancient City – U Thong’s Heritage Revival: Committed to Sustainable Development through Civil Society
• Uthai Thani Old Town – Preserving Our Pride: The Last Raft House Community in the Country
• Wiang Phu Phiang Chae Haeng – Together We Rise: The Transformation of the Hok Peng Festival

They join ten other exemplary stories from Thailand that have been recognized by the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories from 2020 to 2023. Among these, two standout stories—Huai Pu Keng’s community-based tourism initiative and Ko Mak’s low-carbon destination efforts—won the Green Destinations Story Awards at ITB Berlin 2023.

In addition, Chiang Khan made history as the first ASEAN destination to receive the prestigious Silver designation in the Green Destinations Award at ITB Berlin 2024.

Green Destinations announced the 2024 Top 100 Stories list during a virtual event and celebrated these achievements at an on-site ceremony at the Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference in Chile from October 15 to 17. This year’s edition features an inspiring array of Good Practice Stories from 32 countries.