Phuket Moving toward Sustainable Tourism Development

Under the MOU, the local administration will promote this initiative among local shops and the general public, effective as of 14 February 2019, which will see them stop using foam containers for food and other items.

Then, from 1 October 2019, this effort will be encouraged for the people to switch entirely to paper or eco-friendly bags and drinking straws.

The tourism sector will also inspire business partners to do the same from 14 February 2019 onwards.

The Phuket Sustainable Tourism Blueprint 2018 discusses the direction and timeframe on collaboration from all stakeholders toward sustainable tourism development.

It outlines a strategy of SCG: S – Safe and Smart, C – Clean and Convenient, and G – Green and Global. All are earmarked with the utmost urgency for concurrent actions on Phuket-wide "Clean and Green” challenges.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand YuthasakSupasorn said, "This is an important step in the right direction in line with the Thai government’s ‘Thailand 4.0’ sustainable tourism development goal. Hopefully, Phuket will be a positive case study that the whole country could follow.

"The importance of Phuket as one of Thailand’s most high-profile tourist destinations shouldn’t be underestimated.”