Thailand Launches ‘Green Tourism Collections’ to Support EU Standards - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

This project introduces 20 curated travel routes across 10 designated Green Cities and marks an important step towards achieving Thailand’s 2030 Sustainable Tourism Goals and its broader 2026 tourism vision.

The Collections were developed in collaboration with European tour operators and Thai public-private sector partners. They are designed to align with the European Union’s upcoming sustainability regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These rules will require EU companies to work only with suppliers that can demonstrate clear and verifiable sustainability practices. With the Green Tourism Collections, Thai operators are better positioned to meet these standards and stay competitive in the global travel market.

Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas), stated: “We created the Green Tourism Collections in response to evolving expectations in the EU market. This initiative brings together certified, trustworthy operators from across the tourism sector, helping Thai businesses build long-term, sustainable partnerships with the world’s most progressive travel markets.”

The initiative is structured around seven categories of sustainable tourism experiences: eco-certified accommodations, attractions, activities, restaurants, locally made products, logistics, and tour operators. Each participant meets international standards such as those from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Green Globe, or Green Destinations, or has received national recognition through the Thailand Tourism Awards, TAT’s STGs STAR, or CF-Hotel certification.

The ten Green Cities chosen for the initiative are Chiang Mai, Nan, Sukhothai, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok, Trat, Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani. The selection was based on input from 26 travel platforms and tour operators with expertise in sustainable travel. These cities were identified for their potential to offer low-impact, inclusive tourism experiences. The 20 routes developed within them are inspired by TAT’s “5 Must Do in Thailand” concept: cultural heritage, local cuisine, soft adventure, sustainable luxury, and community-based travel.

To foster community-level involvement, TAT has also introduced the Green Mayor programme in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. This initiative aims to embed sustainability into local governance, involving community members in the design of travel routes and the promotion of sustainable tourism identities.

Mr. Natthapong Meepokakij, Director of Bangkok’s Chom Thong District and an early supporter of the programme, said: “As Green Mayor, I see this as a unique opportunity to create a balanced, sustainable quality of life. Chom Thong’s rich cultural roots, canal-side lifestyle, and active community form the perfect basis for a tourism model that preserves the environment, honours tradition, and supports local livelihoods.”

The official launch took place at Phumjai Garden and included a panel discussion with the Green Mayors, followed by an immersive tour along one of Bangkok’s featured routes. Guests travelled by electric boat through Bang Khun Thian canal, explored a century-old orchard, visited the Khlong Bang Luang Artist House, and witnessed sustainable farming at Uncle Ree’s Farm.

To expand global awareness, TAT has begun a series of international promotions. These include virtual product presentations, marketing collaborations with overseas offices and industry partners, as well as familiarisation trips for travel agents and media representatives. Additional campaigns will target the EU and US markets, supported by social media influencers and content creators.

The Thailand Green Tourism Collections will be officially presented to international buyers at WTM London 2025, marking a key milestone in the country’s shift toward sustainability-led tourism.

Mrs. Chiravadee concluded: “Green tourism is more than an idea—it’s a national priority. Through collaboration across sectors, we are turning sustainability into something both real and scalable. Our ambition is clear: to become a world-leading destination for sustainable tourism.”

All 20 travel routes and participating partners can be explored at: https://tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org.

Image Credit: © TAT