Thailand and Bhutan Strengthen Sustainable Tourism Cooperation Through Field Visits

Thailand

Under the shared “Two Countries, One Destination” vision, the Bhutanese delegation deepens collaboration through knowledge exchange, strategic meetings, and site visits from 20–23 June.

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.”