TAT REDEFINES "GREEN TOURISM" IN CELEBRATION OF ITS 51st ANNIVERSARY
Bangkok, March 18, 2011 — As awareness of climate change and the need to preserve the environment is becoming a major concern for travellers all over world, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is commemorating its 51st Anniversary by building on the success of its focus on “Green Tourism.”
“Over the past 51 years, TAT has achieved our goals thanks to great contributions from the Thai public and private sectors, individuals, as well as Thailand’s immense appeal as a tourist destination. The key factor in our success has been what we call "Thainess" — the richness of our unique cultural heritage combined with the warm nature and welcoming hospitality of the Thai people," said TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni.
Established in March 18, 1960, TAT was the first organization in Thailand specifically to promote tourism. During its first fifty years, the development of Thai tourism mainly focused on its social and economic aspects. Going forward, TAT is putting greater emphasis on minimizing tourism's environmental footprint. TAT has aligned itself in three key dimensions, which are the economy, environment and society, to ensure long-term, sustainable tourism marketing for the future. This new emphasis is reflected in TAT's green slogan for the domestic market for 2011, “Travel with New Hearts for a Sustainable Thailand.”
TAT's Green Tourism initiative geared towards the international market is called “Go Green, Go Thailand,” which encourages the public and private sectors to approach tourism with greater environmental care. It is based on the TAT's concept of “Seven Greens,” which includes Green Hearts, Green Logistics, Green Destinations, Green Community, Green Activity, Green Service and Green Plus, which is the ultimate combination of eco-concern and visitors' CSR awareness.
“In 2011, TAT will further strengthen our 'Green Tourism' initiative to redefine the many environmental-friendly activities visitors can explore and cherish in Thailand. Through collaboration with various partners, we continue to identify interesting options for eco-friendly travel; such as, the Green Hotels and the Green Islands of Koh Chang. TAT is confident our 'Green Tourism' initiative will enrich the experiences of visitors who want to enjoy Thailand up close while minimizing their travel footprint, as well as encouraging sustainability among providers in Thailand's travel sector,” said Governor Suraphon.
The TAT's Green Leaf Certification Programme honours hotel owners, operators and their business partners, who use environmentally-efficient technology to complement their tourism activities. The programme has currently placed 220 certified Green Leaf hotels and 535 smoke-free hotels on the map.
Recently unveiled at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade event, the Green Islands of Koh Chang is a new project under the Thai-German Climate Protection Programme. It covers Koh Chang and the neighbouring islands Koh Kut and Koh Mak. The islands of Koh Chang have launched several initiatives to become a climate-friendly destination ;such as, energy and resource efficiency, community-based solid waste management, carbon calculation, special training for tour operators, and green labeling and certification.
TAT presented “Green Tourism Awards” for the first time in Germany to recognize the promotion of sustainable tourism for Thailand.
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
Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand (www.tourismthailand.org)
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