Thailand Unites to Advance Sustainable Tourism Goals by 2030
Tourism Authority of Thailand and 20 Partners Sign Landmark Agreement for a Greener Future
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), alongside 20 partners from the public and private sectors, has signed a historic Letter of Intent to fast-track Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) by 2030. This milestone marks a unified national pledge to transform Thailand’s tourism landscape through sustainability, aligning with TAT’s broader Strategic Direction 2026.
The agreement aligns Thailand’s tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), translating global objectives into actionable, sector-specific targets. Led by TAT, the STGs aim to elevate Thailand’s tourism industry through a balanced approach combining economic growth, social inclusion, environmental preservation, and strong governance.
Among the 21 signatories are eight government agencies: TAT, Department of Tourism (DOT), Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO).
The 13 private sector and civil society signatories include: Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Thai Hotels Association (THA), Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, Central Group, Asset World Corporation (AWC), Minor International, The Mall Group, Siam Piwat, One Bangkok, and Dusit Thani.
Through this agreement, the partners form a united front to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable tourism. The coalition will work toward the 2030 STGs by implementing joint policies and frameworks over 2026–2027, focusing on emissions reduction, resource efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and improved governance — all while prioritizing equity and local community engagement. This collaborative effort aims to serve as a national model for inclusive, sustainable tourism aligned with the SDGs.
Each participating organization has outlined its own strategic actions. For instance, TAT will assist tourism businesses in obtaining sustainability certifications using tools like STGs STAR, the Carbon Footprint Hotels Platform, and the Thailand Tourism Awards. The DOT will spearhead the Thailand Green Plan 2030 and promote international certifications like the Thailand Good Travel Seal, aiming to upgrade 100 sites by 2030. Meanwhile, DCCE will work to elevate Phuket hotels to Green Hotel Plus status.
TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool emphasized the significance of this joint commitment:
“This marks a pivotal moment for Thai tourism. We are charting a path that places stewardship of natural resources, meaningful community benefits, and long-term resilience at the heart of our growth strategy. Our goal is to make sustainability the cornerstone of how Thai tourism thrives.”
Although non-binding, the Letter of Intent establishes a shared roadmap, with collective progress reviewed regularly. It will remain valid for one year from the signing date and can be extended with mutual agreement.
