No fewer than six destinations in Thailand have been honoured in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list, in a development that’s indicative of the kingdom’s ongoing transition to a more sustainable tourism paradigm nationwide.
Chiang Khan and Songkhla City were both recognised in the Thriving Communities category, while U Thong Ancient City was credited in Destination Management, and Wiang Phu Phiang Chae Haeng also appeared in the Culture and Tradition section. Each location was submitted by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). Meanwhile, Hua Hin and Uthai Thani Old Town were recognised in the Environment and Climate, and the Culture and Tradition categories, respectively.
“Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) congratulates DASTA, Hua Hin Municipality and UThai Thani Town Municipality, as well as the people of all six destinations for their initiatives and efforts in sustainable tourism practices,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the TAT). “These recognitions reflect TAT’s vision to position Thailand as a sustainable, experience-based tourism destination in line with our ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’ communication concept.”
The 10th edition of the Green Destinations Top 100 competition shares and promotes stories that recount innovative and effective initiatives and projects from destinations working towards more responsible tourism development. Green Destinations unveiled the 2024 Top 100 Stories list through a virtual event and an accompanying offline ceremony at the Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference in Chile.
The competition was held under the auspices of the Top 100 Partnership, supported by the Future of Tourism Coalition, with special contributions by ITB Berlin, QualityCoast Award, Good Travel Guide, Travelife for Tour Operators, Ecotourism Australia and DEL Turismo (DEL Institute).
Green Destinations evaluate each location’s sustainability credentials, then help to nurture these destinations through virtual training modules, coaching programmes and support toolkits, while also offering global recognition for accomplishing the requisite benchmarks. Destinations signing up for the Green Destinations Certification Awards & GSTC Certification programmes engage in a sustainability management cycle aimed at continuous improvement through periodic assessment and independent verification.
