The new rating system awards businesses with three, four, or five stars, which serve as a recognisable symbol of quality for both local and international tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s vision is for Thai tourism to also improve community life and raise standards for operators, helping the country become a leader in sustainable tourism on the world stage.
Thailand expects to become a world leader in the green travel movement. (Photo: The Nation)
Bangkok (VNA) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is introducing a new rating system to champion sustainable tourism, with the goal of positioning the country as a world leader in the green travel movement.
The STGs STAR programme, or Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating, adapts the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into a more accessible framework for Thai businesses.
The system awards businesses with three, four, or five stars, which serve as a recognisable symbol of quality for both local and international tourists.
Erblarp Sripirom, TAT Director of Tourism Products, explained that the initiative is about more than just boosting the economy.
The TAT’s vision is for Thai tourism to also improve community life and raise standards for operators, helping the country become a leader in sustainable tourism on the world stage, she said.
The TAT is also promoting other programmes to support its green mission. The CF-Hotels platform helps hotels and accommodations calculate their carbon footprint, while the prestigious Thailand Tourism Awards now includes a special “Green Kinnaree” symbol for outstanding achievements in sustainability.
In a pilot programme, the TAT has chosen Krabi province as a prototype for sustainable tourism development. They are working with local businesses to ensure they meet the new criteria, with a plan to expand the model to other provinces like Chiang Mai and Phuket in the future.
On the "One Map Tourism" website, visitors can easily find and book trips that meet the green standards. Highlighted destinations include Nan Old Town, which has received a Green Destinations Award, and Krabi, where TAT has curated 10 model “Travel with Care” routes featuring eco-friendly businesses and activities./.
The initiative supports the government’s Soft Power policy to position Thailand as a leading global destination while presenting the country’s charm through fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences.
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