The Thai travel and tourism industry has long been conscious of its environmental responsibilities. The national tourism policy advocates sustainable development, balancing economic gain with ecological preservation and conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
There are numerous activities, projects and policies in place to ensure a sustainable environment for travel and tourism. These are based on the “Seven Greens” concept, officially launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2008 and now being implemented nationwide in cooperation with partners in both the private and public sectors.
The Seven Greens are as follows:
- Green Heart: To urge tourists to be socially responsible and environmentally aware as well as be part of the worldwide movement to help preserve the environment of all tourist attractions.
- Green Logistics: To encourage more environmentally-friendly means of transport in the tourism industry.
- Green Destination: To promote tourist spots that adhere to proper and sound management practices and with full awareness of the significance of the surrounding environment.
- Green Community: To support community-based tourism in both urban and rural areas with emphasis on socially responsible business operations and the environment and local traditions conservation.
- Green Activity: To promote tourism activities which are ideal for local communities in a way that enhances their ability to receive visitors while retaining a strong sense of environmental conservation.
- Green Service: To urge all tourism-related services to improve their quality standards and environmental awareness.
- Green[Plus]+: To encourage social corporate responsibilities (CSR) among operators by reducing and refraining from any acts that create a negative impact on the environment, and urge them to cooperate and engage in activities promoting energy saving or resource recycling, etc.
In June 2009, TAT and 16 tourism organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation among the signatory agencies in pursuant of the environmental declaration project “Vibrant Travel, Environmental Care” as per the 7 Greens concept.
This project is designed to create a positive image of Thai tourism abroad by demonstrating its commitment towards environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
As a follow up to the Seven Greens Concept, the resort island of Samui, one of the country’s fastest growing beach destinations, has mounted a major effort to underpin its environmental credentials.
An integrated plan called the “Green Island Project — Ko Samui” is being undertaken, incorporating joint state and private sector plans as well as the guidelines outlined in TAT’s Seven Greens project. Its main objective is to make the resort island one of the world’s leading environmentally-committed destinations.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 kilometres south of Bangkok, Samui is known for its tropical beaches, fishing villages and marine parks. A 50-kilometre road encircles the island, making it easy to get around. The island boasts a huge selection of accommodation and the surrounding waters of the Gulf offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Some of the sub-projects of the “Green Island Project” include:
Low Carbon School: Two volunteer hotels take care of one school. They work and learn together on ways to manage and recycle waste. They also set up a dedicated “junk bank” under which the waste is collected and then sold for recycling. The same is done for local communities. Last year, 20 hotels and 10 schools participated in the project. This year, the second group covers 16 schools and 32 volunteer hotels. Ko Samui Municipality is supporting the project with funding of 50,000 Baht to each participating school.
Green Events: To promote greater awareness of the environment through major activities such as: Samuimala Week Festival, Samui Film Festival, Samui Jazz Festival, and Samui Trophy “run for a greener Ko Samui”.
Beach Cleaning: The Green Island Dive Operator Association (GIDOA) has initiated cleaning projects for both beaches and dive-sites.
Green Fingers Club: A group of hotel gardeners have come together to find ways and undertake improving Samui’s environment.
Chaweng Beach Conservative Group: The local community and operators on Chaweng Beach have joined hands to improve the water quality and atmosphere around Chaweng Canal.
Green Media: Samui Channel TV will focus on local community activities to enhance environmental protection and promote tourism activities.
Plant more coconut trees: Last year, Ko Samui Municipality together with related agencies planted 100,000 coconut trees all around the Island.
Going Green with THA: Thai Hotels Association members on Ko Samui will incorporate environmental concerns into all business operations as part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Coconut Festival: To be held between 5-11 July, 2010, on Ko Samui, it will include an international conference on the wonderful qualities of the humble coconut, and also feature an exhibition of coconut products including its many uses in the travel and tourism industry.
All these projects and activities are designed to ensure that the people of Samui, especially those benefitting economically from tourism, also have the incentive to conserve their environment.
Another nationwide project is the Smoke-Free hotels and Health Promotion Hotels campaign launched in December 2009 by the Green Leaf Foundation together with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
The campaign is designed to motivate more Thai hotels to become smoke-free and offer smoke-free accommodation. Once they have become Smoke-Free Hotels for a set period of time, they qualify to be graded as Health Promotion Hotels by adding health and environmentally friendly programmes.
These include products, facilities, and services; such as, climate friendly menus, health promotion packages, health promotion spas, etc. They help participating hotels to become more competitive in attracting visitors, while preserving the environment and promoting “healthy tourism”.
There are 355 hotels in Thailand currently listed as offering health promotion programmes of which 36 hotels are environmentally-friendly certified. A total of 382 hotels have joined the smoke-free and health promotion programme. They are among the many 100% smoke-free hotels in Thailand.
Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org |
