Thailand and Bhutan Enhance Sustainable Tourism Cooperation
High-level delegation from Bhutan visits Thailand to explore sustainable tourism practices and strengthen collaborative efforts.
BANGKOK, 4 JULY 2025 – Thailand and Bhutan have progressed in their partnership for sustainable tourism, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently hosting a delegation from Bhutan's Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO).
The delegation's visit took place from 20 to 23 June 2025 and focused on examining Thailand's sustainability practices at both policy and community levels, marking a significant milestone in the Thailand–Bhutan Sustainable Tourism Partnership.
The program commenced with a welcome meeting led by Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific, along with other executives including Ms. Patsri Permwongsaenee and Ms. Eblarp Sripirom.
The TAT provided an overview of Thailand’s strategic direction for sustainable tourism, aligning it with global standards and the benchmarks set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Key presentations highlighted case studies of Thai businesses recognized for their environmental and community-oriented initiatives.
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit was specifically noted for receiving the Green Hotel Standard Plus certification for the 2024–2027 period.
Following the opening session, the delegation traveled to Nan province from 21 to 23 June to witness practical models of sustainable tourism.
Meetings with local officials included discussions with Mrs. Wilaiwan Budasa, Vice Governor of Nan, about regional cooperation and inclusive tourism development.
The group visited various hospitality and tourism enterprises, such as Nan Boutique Hotel and Resort, Cocoa Valley, Saengthong Resort, and Pupakannapua, each certified under multiple sustainability schemes including the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR).
These visits were designed to facilitate knowledge exchange among participants on eco-friendly business practices, cultural preservation, and community-based tourism initiatives.
A guided tram tour of Nan Old Town, which has achieved the Green Destinations Gold Level award—making it Thailand’s first recipient of this honor in ASEAN and the only one in Asia for 2025—exemplified the region's commitment to creative and sustainable urban development.
This collaborative effort builds on previous engagements, such as the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) event held from 5 to 7 June 2025 in Khao Lak, Phang-nga, where Bhutan participated alongside other Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries.
This event laid important groundwork for ongoing progress within the framework of the shared Thailand–Bhutan vision termed "Two countries, One destination."
The delegation's visit took place from 20 to 23 June 2025 and focused on examining Thailand's sustainability practices at both policy and community levels, marking a significant milestone in the Thailand–Bhutan Sustainable Tourism Partnership.
The program commenced with a welcome meeting led by Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific, along with other executives including Ms. Patsri Permwongsaenee and Ms. Eblarp Sripirom.
The TAT provided an overview of Thailand’s strategic direction for sustainable tourism, aligning it with global standards and the benchmarks set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Key presentations highlighted case studies of Thai businesses recognized for their environmental and community-oriented initiatives.
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit was specifically noted for receiving the Green Hotel Standard Plus certification for the 2024–2027 period.
Following the opening session, the delegation traveled to Nan province from 21 to 23 June to witness practical models of sustainable tourism.
Meetings with local officials included discussions with Mrs. Wilaiwan Budasa, Vice Governor of Nan, about regional cooperation and inclusive tourism development.
The group visited various hospitality and tourism enterprises, such as Nan Boutique Hotel and Resort, Cocoa Valley, Saengthong Resort, and Pupakannapua, each certified under multiple sustainability schemes including the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR).
These visits were designed to facilitate knowledge exchange among participants on eco-friendly business practices, cultural preservation, and community-based tourism initiatives.
A guided tram tour of Nan Old Town, which has achieved the Green Destinations Gold Level award—making it Thailand’s first recipient of this honor in ASEAN and the only one in Asia for 2025—exemplified the region's commitment to creative and sustainable urban development.
This collaborative effort builds on previous engagements, such as the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) event held from 5 to 7 June 2025 in Khao Lak, Phang-nga, where Bhutan participated alongside other Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries.
This event laid important groundwork for ongoing progress within the framework of the shared Thailand–Bhutan vision termed "Two countries, One destination."
