TAT/responsible tourism event

Editorial staff

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized the “Eco-Discovery in Amazing Thailand” product showcase to promote responsible tourism and enhance the positive image of Thailand as a sustainable tourism destination.

Patsee Permvongsenee, TAT executive director of ASEAN South Asia and South Pacific region, said the event was a showcase of Thai tourism enterprises recognised for their outstanding quality and excellence in sustainable operations, backed by the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards or TTA. The three-day activity was designed to illustrate a wealth of socially responsible tourism experiences in Thailand, emphasising Thai soft-power cultural values.

The event brought together 24 travel professionals as well as 11 content creators, bloggers and influencers from the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific market to explore award-winning responsible tourism experiences in Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi on 22-24 June.

In Chiang Rai, the itinerary featured Chiang Saen Social Tourism Community Enterprise and Ban Tha Khan Thong Homestay. Both were winners of the TTA Silver Awards in the Attraction – Local and Community category.

Greenme organic Farm Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima

In Nakhon Ratchasima, the route highlighted Ban Suk Somboon Social Tourism Community Enterprise, a TTA Silver Award winner in the Attraction-Local and Community category.

On the Samut Songkhram-Phetchaburi route, the experience encompassed Baanrimklong Homestay, a TTA Silver Award winner in the Attraction – Learning and Doing category; Ban Rai Krang Tourism Community, a TTA Silver Award winner in the Attraction – Local and Community category; and Ban Tham Sua Homestay, a TTA Silver Award winner in the Low Carbon & Sustainability – Attraction category.

On 25 June, participants convened at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok for a product debrief, trade meeting, and networking dinner.

The product debrief offered a platform for exchanging recommendations from the overseas participants based on their first-hand experience on each route.

Case studies from the session would be taken into account to further develop the products and services of the award-winning Thai tourism enterprises to meet customers’ needs and desires.

Wat Rong Suea Ten, Chiang Rai

Participants also had the chance to learn more about the CF-Hotels initiative and the ongoing efforts by TAT to promote socially and environmentally responsible tourism.

The trade meet session served as a marketing platform for 20 Thai tourism enterprises, comprising winners of the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards (TTA) and participants of the CF-Hotels initiative, to meet and discuss prospective business with the overseas tourism professionals.

The networking and farewell dinner concluded the event for 80 participants, including Thai tourism operators, overseas participants, strategic partners from the public and private agencies, and members of the local media.

The event was expected to generate at least 1,000,000 reaches and further enhance the positive image of Thailand as a sustainable tourism destination.