Thailand is moving toward the goal of responsible tourism

The Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Marketing Communications, Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, stated that TAT is undertaking a range of environmental initiatives this year. For instance, it has carried on its CSR activities "Travel Thailand in Style, Reduce Plastic Waste,” in collaboration with the public and private sector partners, to encourage tourists to travel responsibly by leaving only footprints and taking only good memories. 

Also, the production of the documentary series called "The Seasons” is to raise a sense of responsibility with the beauty of nature and way of life. TAT has been trying to reduce the use of bottles and plastic bags in its various events, as well. 

In 2019, he said, TAT has continuously moved Thailand toward the "Preferred Destination.” It is to offer quality products and services to travelers through "Unique Local Experiences,” while balancing quantity versus quality and marketing versus management. 

In 2018, the Thai tourism industry recorded a total of 38 million international arrivals, up by 7.54 percent, generating an estimated 62 billion USD, up by 9.63 percent over 2017. 

Thailand’s top five source markets were China, with more than 10 million arrivals, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, and Japan, while ASEAN, for the first time, exceeded 10 million visitors in 2018. 

In 2019, TAT has set a growth target of 12 percent in tourism revenue from the international market. It also focuses on promoting Thailand’s emerging destinations to the international markets.