Southeast Asia Tours Hit Eco Mode: Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand Launch Major Green Tourism Push for 2026
Three leading tourism nations chart bold sustainability initiatives ahead of the 2026 travel year
Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are driving a major pivot in regional travel by rolling out ambitious green tourism initiatives set to take effect in 2026. These efforts mark a clear shift towards environmentally responsible and high-value tourism in Southeast Asia.
In Singapore, the government is introducing a passenger levy tied to the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for flights departing from Changi Airport starting in 2026. The levy is designed to support mandatory blending of SAF at one per cent of fuel use that year, with targets rising to three-to-five per cent by 2030. The initiative positions Singapore as the region’s first aviation hub to directly levy travel for lower-carbon jet fuel, signalling a strong commitment to decarbonising one of the hardest-to-abate sectors.
Malaysia’s “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” campaign was launched early and places sustainability at its core.
The campaign sets out to transform the country’s tourism sector by promoting eco-tourism, cultural heritage and community-based travel.
It builds on five strategic pillars — sustainable tourism, culture and heritage, nature and adventure, digital innovation and global connectivity — and aims to attract 35.6 million international visitors while reinforcing Malaysia’s standing as a responsible destination.
Thailand’s tourism authority has likewise unveiled its “New Thailand” vision for 2026, emphasising quality over quantity.
The focus is on promoting eco-friendly hotels, responsible travel to lesser-known regions and protecting natural assets such as the kingdom’s beaches, forests and wildlife.
This approach is designed to enhance resilience of the tourism sector and align it more closely with global sustainability expectations.
Together, these moves reflect a broader regional trend: tourism growth that pursues economic benefit while managing environmental impact.
Analysts view the alignment of policy across these nations as a recognition that future competitiveness in tourism will hinge on sustainability credentials.
As governments ready for 2026’s travel year, the shift towards measurable eco-targets signals that Southeast Asia is positioning itself at the front of the green tourism shift.
In Singapore, the government is introducing a passenger levy tied to the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for flights departing from Changi Airport starting in 2026. The levy is designed to support mandatory blending of SAF at one per cent of fuel use that year, with targets rising to three-to-five per cent by 2030. The initiative positions Singapore as the region’s first aviation hub to directly levy travel for lower-carbon jet fuel, signalling a strong commitment to decarbonising one of the hardest-to-abate sectors.
Malaysia’s “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” campaign was launched early and places sustainability at its core.
The campaign sets out to transform the country’s tourism sector by promoting eco-tourism, cultural heritage and community-based travel.
It builds on five strategic pillars — sustainable tourism, culture and heritage, nature and adventure, digital innovation and global connectivity — and aims to attract 35.6 million international visitors while reinforcing Malaysia’s standing as a responsible destination.
Thailand’s tourism authority has likewise unveiled its “New Thailand” vision for 2026, emphasising quality over quantity.
The focus is on promoting eco-friendly hotels, responsible travel to lesser-known regions and protecting natural assets such as the kingdom’s beaches, forests and wildlife.
This approach is designed to enhance resilience of the tourism sector and align it more closely with global sustainability expectations.
Together, these moves reflect a broader regional trend: tourism growth that pursues economic benefit while managing environmental impact.
Analysts view the alignment of policy across these nations as a recognition that future competitiveness in tourism will hinge on sustainability credentials.
As governments ready for 2026’s travel year, the shift towards measurable eco-targets signals that Southeast Asia is positioning itself at the front of the green tourism shift.
