Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030
Redefining Thai Tourism to Global Standards for Sustainable Future
A Turning Point
As the world confronts the accelerating impacts of climate change, the transition to sustainable tourism is no longer an option; it is an urgent necessity. This transformation requires collective action and collaboration across all sectors.
The tourism industry is an essential pillar of national economic growth; however, its development also has direct impact on the environment. In response, the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 has been established to transform Thailand’s tourism sector in line with globally recognized sustainability practices.
Vision
“Redefining Thai Tourism to Global Standards for Sustainable Future”
Join forces to advance Thailand toward becoming a leading, high-quality, and sustainable tourism destination with global recognition.
Power of Collaboration
The Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 represents a strategic collaboration among four key partners:
Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports – Lead agency
Mahidol University International College – Center for learning, research, and knowledge development
Green Destinations – International organization specializing in sustainable certification
Travelife for Tour Operators – International certification organization for sustainable tour operators
The partnership is strengthened by the participation of 49 committed partners across the public, academic, and private sectors that share sustainability goals.
The Sustainable Tourism in Action Center (STAC Thailand) was established under the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030. Launched in 2025, the Center brings together key partners for collaborative action in sustainable tourism and is primarily supported by the Department of Tourism and Mahidol University International College.
Role of STAC Thailand
STAC Thailand plays a central role in driving Thailand sustainable tourism development, with a focus on five key areas:
1. Sustainability Schemes
Define national sustainability standards and support tourism destinations and businesses in progressing toward internationally recognized benchmarks, such as the Top 100 Green Destinations and certified green tourism businesses.
2. Educating
Promote sustainability knowledge and skill development across government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, students, and local communities.
3. Planning
Support the development of strategic sustainable tourism plans in collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders, aligned with the milestones of the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030.
4. Solution Development
Develop practical tools and solutions that enable local communities, tourism businesses, and the food industry to integrate sustainable tourism practice into their operational strategies.
5. Marketing
Communicate and showcase Thailand’s sustainability success stories, while serving as a hub for domestic and international networks to enhance awareness and strengthen Thailand’s global image as a sustainable tourism destination.
Main Projects
1. Network and Integration
Establish a nationwide network and mentoring system for sustainable tourism. Identify and support 30 role model destinations and businesses, preparing them for participation in the Top 100 Green Destinations program and reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
2. Development of Sustainable Tourism Certification Criteria in Thailand
Develop assessment criteria for destinations, hotels, and tour operators based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – Destination Criteria (GSTC-D) and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The process includes expert collaboration, public hearings, pilot implementation in real locations, and the development of official operational manuals.
3. Thailand Good Travel Mark
Strengthen the credibility of sustainable tourism in Thailand through the Thailand Good Travel mark, a certified standard in alignment with international standards. Promoting awareness of sustainability certification and its benefits, while supporting a roadmap toward 2030 to position Thailand as a role model for sustainable tourism at the global level.
4. Big Data Development – Thailand Green Plan Monitoring Platform
Collect sustainability performance indicators of tourism destinations across the country. The platform will support decision-making in national budget allocation. Enabling and facilitating partnerships with the private sector to drive innovation, investment, and continuous improvement in sustainable tourism.
Goal
1. Certify tourism destinations, hotels, tour operators, and community tourism enterprises in accordance with internationally recognized sustainability standards, strengthening Thailand’s position in the global tourism market.
2. Support 30 tourism businesses in achieving recognition in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, an international award that showcases and celebrates successful sustainability stories. This award will serve as a model of best practice, inspiring positive change for local communities, the environment, and the local economy.
3. Empower Thai tourism toward sustainable practices as a strategic response to global warming.
Together Toward a Sustainable Tourism Future
We invite tourism businesses, destinations, local communities, educational institutions, and the next generation to join us in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in Thailand.
“Transform Thailand’s tourism sector in line with globally recognized sustainability practices.”