Tourexpi
Thailand
and Bhutan have taken a significant step toward deepening cooperation in
sustainable tourism, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently
hosting a high-level delegation from Bhutan’s Department of Tourism (DOT) and
the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO). From 20 to 23 June 2025,
the delegation explored Thailand’s sustainability practices at both policy and
community levels, marking a key milestone in the Thailand–Bhutan sustainable
tourism partnership.
The
visit reinforces both nations’ commitment to responsible tourism and sets the
stage for stronger collaboration under the “Two Countries, One Destination”
framework, aimed at shared learning, joint product development, and meaningful
travel experiences rooted in sustainability.
The
programme opened with a welcome meeting led by Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai,
TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific,
alongside Ms. Patsri Permwongsaenee, Executive Director for ASEAN, South Asia
and South Pacific Region; Ms. Eblarp Sripirom, Executive Director of the
Tourism Products Department; and Mr. Santi Sawaengcharoen, Deputy Executive
Director, Office of the Governor.
TAT
presented Thailand’s strategic direction for sustainable tourism in alignment
with international benchmarks and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
standards. The session included case studies of Thai businesses recognised for
environmental and community-based initiatives, including The Westin Grande
Sukhumvit, awarded the Green Hotel Standard Plus certification for 2024–2027.
From
21 to 23 June, the delegation visited Nan province to explore practical models
of sustainable tourism. They met with Mrs. Wilaiwan Budasa, Vice Governor of
Nan, to discuss regional cooperation and inclusive tourism development. The
programme featured visits to recognised hospitality and tourism businesses,
including Nan Boutique Hotel and Resort, Cocoa Valley, Saengthong Resort, and
Pupakannapua—each certified under schemes such as the Thailand Tourism Awards,
Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR), Tourism Care, Green Restaurant,
and Green Hotel. These visits facilitated valuable knowledge exchange on
eco-friendly operations, cultural preservation, and community-based tourism.
A
guided tram tour of Nan Old Town, a Green Destinations Gold Level
awardee—Thailand’s first recipient of the honour in ASEAN and the only one in
Asia in 2025—highlighted the town’s leadership in creative and sustainable
urban development.
This
latest collaboration builds on earlier engagement at Thailand Travel Mart Plus
(TTM+) 2025, held from 5–7 June in Khao Lak, Phang-nga, where Bhutan
participated alongside Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries. The event laid
important groundwork for continued progress under the shared Thailand–Bhutan
vision of “Two Countries, One Destination.”
Image
Credit: © TAT
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