The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai tourism industry are jointly pursuing ‘green initiatives’ in an effort to maintain the delicate balance between tourism promotion and environmental protection to ensure long-term sustainability.

Promoted under the Seven Greens concept developed by TAT, the initiative to protect and preserve the environment and restore environmental quality by raising environmental awareness and by promoting increased Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involves the active participation and support of all tourism stakeholders. These include state agencies involved in promoting tourism, private sector tourism operators and tourism-related service providers, as well as public and non-governmental organizations, communities, media representatives and individual tourists — both Thai and foreign.

The Thai tourism industry firmly believes that efforts to protect and preserve the environment are consistent with Thailand’s quest to achieve sustainable tourism.

“The growing concern worldwide over global warming and climate change has led to dramatic changes in consumer attitudes, travel seasonality and other travel patterns and trends,” notes Ms Sasi-Apha Sukontarat, Executive Director of TAT’s Product Promotion Department.

“It is influencing individual choices regarding travel destinations, the length of trips and other factors such as the availability of environmentally-friendly modes of transport and environmentally-responsible service providers,” she explains.

“With an ever-increasing number of well-informed and discerning world travellers looking to significantly reduce their carbon footprint by opting for environmentally-friendly travel and tourism related products and services, the adoption of a green agenda for Thailand ensures that the destination and the Thai tourism industry retain international competitiveness. By keeping pace with the latest trends in global travel, this strengthens Thailand’s global image as a dynamic and relevant ‘brand.’”

By embracing green initiatives, the Thai tourism industry is communicating its stand and positioning the Thai kingdom as an environmentally-responsible player on the world stage. The Thai tourism industry has voiced strong support for global efforts to minimize and offset the effects of global warming which are causing severe climate change in various parts of the world.

“As the national tourism organization (NTO), TAT recognizes the significance of these shifts in lifestyle preferences and travel trends. It has therefore launched a concerted effort to promote environmentally-friendly and energy-saving tourism programmes and travel packages designed to create as little negative impact to the environment as possible,” says Executive Director Sasi-Apha.

	The implementation of the Seven Greens concept (outlined below)
	The creation and development of a database of environmentally-responsible tourism operators and service providers offering green or environmentally-friendly tourism products and services. (Raising the local and international visibility and awareness of these green tourism operators and service providers falls within TAT’s tourism promotion mandate.)
	The development or selection of green tourism destinations that are positive role models
	The organization of meetings, conferences and educational seminars on tourism in this new era

TAT’s Seven Greens programme provides a conceptual framework and establishes practical guidelines for carefully balancing tourism promotion and a healthy, sustainable environment. It facilitates the formation of strategic partnerships and provides a cooperative framework for the implementation of green initiatives in the following seven areas.

	Green Heart: to urge tourists to be socially responsible and environmentally aware as well as to be part of global efforts to help protect and preserve the environment at all tourist attractions
	Green Logistics: to encourage more environmentally-friendly tourism-related modes of transport to minimize direct and indirect environmental impact
	Green Destinations: to promote responsibly managed tourist sites that respect the environment
	Green Communities: to support community-based tourism in both urban and rural areas that place greater importance on responsible tourism management, and that also promote conservation of the environment, local traditions and ways of life
	Green Activities: to promote tourism activities that are well-suited to local communities. These provide visitors with engaging and culturally-enriching experiences without compromising the integrity of the environment. This includes taking carrying capacity into proper consideration.
	Green Service: to urge all tourism-related service providers to create positive first impressions for visitors, and to win hearts and minds by attaining higher quality assurance standards whilst demonstrating respect, care and concern for the environment
	Green[Plus]+: to encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among operators by encouraging them to give back to the communities in which they operate. For example, by refraining from undertaking any acts that might cause environmental damage. It also includes seeking their active participation in various activities and seeking their support for tourism business operators, manufacturers and organizations that promote energy-saving initiatives or develop renewable energy sources and environmentally-friendly products.

TAT is working in collaboration with all stakeholders in the Thai tourism industry to chart an appropriate course and clearly identify the individual roles and responsibilities to be undertaken by each entity. This means developing jointly an integrated industry plan to promote tourism activities that reflect respect for the environment and place greater importance on the conservation of natural resources. This will help to significantly reduce the forces that contribute to global warming and precipitate drastic climate change.

TAT together with partners in both the private and government sectors will ensure that the implementation of the initial phase is successfully completed during a three-year pilot period from 2008-2010.

EXAMPLES
Green Logistics Green Destinations Green Communities Green Activities
Green Service/Green Accommodation

	Environmentally-friendly bicycle tours organized by bicycle tour companies or the Cycling for Health Association For example, Ampawa bike ride, Gulf of Thailand bike ride and Khao Yai to Ayutthaya bike ride offered by Bike & Travel Contact information: Web site: www.cyclingthailand.com E-mail: manager@cyclingthailand.com
	Trips offered by the State Railway of Thailand
	Sightseeing around Rattanakosin Island by tram
	Sightseeing by horse-drawn carriage in Lampang
	Night tour of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya by trishaw

GREEN DESTINATIONS
Thailand’s Pollution Control Department recently introduced star-ratings for beaches around Thailand.

Beaches with Excellent Environmental Quality (five-star rating) Bileh Beach in Krabi province Koh Lidi (Lidi island) in Satun province Beaches with Good Environmental Quality (four-star rating) Phuket province Haat Layan beach Krabi Province Haat Losaama beach, Haat Laem Thong beach, Haat Koh Pai beach, Haat Laem Tanot beach, Haat Ngai beach, Haat Koh Rok beach Hua Hin/Prachuap Khiri Khan province Haat Naresuan beach, Haat Hua Hin beach Surat Thani Province Haat Sam Sao beach, Hat Ao Kha beach Chon Buri province Haat Samae beach Narathiwat province: Ao Manao Beach Haat Haw Khao beach in Satun province Songkhla province: Rai Kaeow Beach Trang province Haat Yong Lin beach, Hat Ratchamongkon beach WINNERS OF THE 2006 THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS TOURIST ATTRACTION – NATURAL SITES Central Region Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi province Award of Excellence for Natural Site Tel: +66 (0) 3457 4222, 08 1814 2930 Fax: +66 (0) 3457 4288 Address: Mu 4 Tha Kradan sub-district, Si Sawat district, Kanchanaburi 71250     Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site Tel: +66 (0) 3245 9293, 0 3245 9291 Fax: +66 (0) 3245 9293 Address: Mu 8, Kaeng Krachan sub-district, Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi 76170     Southern Region Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani province Award of Excellence for Natural Site Tel: +66 (0) 7739 5139, (0) 1515 3351 Fax: +66 (0) 7739 5155 Address: Mu 6 Khlong Sok sub-district, Phanom district, Surat Thani     Northeastern Region Tat Ton National Park, Chaiyaphum province Award of Excellence for Natural Site Tel: +66 (0) 4485 3333 Fax: +66 (0) 4485 3333 Address: Na Fai sub-district, Mueang Chaiyaphum district, Chaiyaphum 36000     Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchathani province Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site Tel: +66 (0) 4524 9780 Fax: +66 (0) 4524 6333 Address: Mu 7 Huai Phai sub-district, Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani 34220     TOURIST ATTRACTION – CULTURAL SITES Bangkok Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre Hun Lakhon Lek (Naattayasala) Award of Excellence for Cultural Site Tel: +66 (0) 2252 9683 - 4 Fax: +66 (0) 2252 9685 Address: 1875 Suan-Lum Night Bazaar, Rama IV Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330     Northern Region Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre, Chiang Mai province Award of Excellence for Cultural Site Tel: +66 (0) 5321 7793, (0) 5321 9833 Fax: +66 (0) 5321 9833 Address: Phra Pokklao Road, Siphum sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai 50200     Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, Chiang Rai province Award of Outstanding Performance for Cultural Site Tel: +66 (0) 5371 1968 Address: 313 Mu 7, Ban Pa Ngiao, Rop Wiang sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai district, Chiang Rai 57000     Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park, Chiang Rai province Award of Outstanding Performance for Recreational Site Tel: +66 (0) 5378 4444 - 6 Fax: +66 (0) 5365 2133 Address: Ban Sop Ruak, Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai 57150     TOURIST ATTRACTION – RECREATIONAL SITES Central Region Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Chon Buri province Award of Outstanding Performance for Recreational Site Tel: +66 (0) 3870 9360 – 2 Fax: +66 (0) 3823 8160 Address: Nong Nooch Village, 34/1 Mu 7, Na Chomthian sub-district, Sattahip district, Chon Buri 20180 Web site: www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com/en/aboutUs.asp     TOURIST ATTRACTION – ECOTOURISM SITES Klong Rua Village, Chumphon province Award of Excellence for Ecotourism Site Tel: +66 (0) 7895 0501, (0) 6563 9117 Address: Mu 9 Pak Song sub-district, Pha To district, Chumphon 86180     Sakae Rat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima province Award of Outstanding Performance for Ecotourism Site Tel: +66 (0) 4425 8642, (0) 4424 2533 Fax: +66 (0) 4424 2534 Address: 1 Mu 9, Udom Sap sub-district, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima 30370     TOURIST ATTRACTION – AGRO-TOURISM SITES Chokchai Farm, Nakhon Ratchasima province Award of Excellence for Agro-Tourism Site Tel: +66 (0) 2532 2846 – 8 Fax: +66 (0) 2531 2436 Address: Head office – 294 Mu 8, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Khu Klot sub-district, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani 12130

GREEN COMMUNITIES

Northern Thailand
	Ban Pa Miang Eco tourism Village, Lampang province
	Ban Tha Pa Pao, Lamphun province
	Ban Huai Tong Ko Eco tourism Group, Mae Hong Son province
Central Thailand
	Khlong Khlon Ecotourism Community Enterprise, Samut Songkhram province
	Ban Bang Phlap Agrotourism Center, Samut Songkhram province
	Ban Hua Hat Tourist Center, Samut Songkhram province
Northeastern Thailand
	Ban Prasat Homestay, Nakhon Ratchasima province
	The Elephant Village, Surin province
	Homestay of the Community Forest and Local Food, Nong Khai province
Southern Thailand
	Ban Ko Phithak Community, Chumphon province
	Krung Ching Sea of Mist’s Group, Nakhon Si Thammarat province
	Group of Community Tourism Management, Ban Bo Chet Luk, Satun province

GREEN SERVICE/GREEN ACCOMMODATION

GREEN LEAF HOTELS AND RESORTS IN THAILAND http://www.tatnews.org/tourism_news/2073.asp THE GREEN LEAF FOUNDATION http://www.greenleafthai.org/home_en.asp WINNERS OF THE 2006 THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS TOURISM ACCOMMODATION, URBAN (more than 80 rooms) Southern Region Thumrin Thana Hotel, Trang province Award of Outstanding Performance for Tourist Accommodation – City hotel of over 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 7522 3226 Fax: +66 (0) 7522 3289 Address: 69/8 Huai Yot Road, Thap Thiang sub-district, Mueang Trang district, Trang 92000     Eastern Region Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Chon Buri province Award of Outstanding Performance for Tourist Accommodation – City hotel of over 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 3841 2120 Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9926 Address: 218 Beach Road, Mueang Pattaya district, Chon Buri 20260     Central Region Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, Prachuap Khiri Khan province Award of Excellence for Resort of over 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 3251 1887 Ext. 1901 Fax: +66 (0) 3251 2562 Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110     Sofitel Central Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of over 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2021 - 38 Fax: +66 (0) 3251 1014 Address: 1 Damnoen Kasem Road, Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110     TOURISM ACCOMMODATION, RESORT (more than 80 rooms) Southern Region JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Phuket province Award of Excellence for Resort hotel of over 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 7633 8000 Ext. 2006 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 8360 Address: 231 Mu 3, Hat Mai Khao, Thalang district, Phuket 83110     Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket province Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of over 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 7633 0124 - 6 Fax: +66 (0) 7633 0127 Address: 14 Kata Noi Road, Karon sub-district, Mueang Phuket district, Phuket 83110     TOURISM ACCOMMODATION, RESORT (less than 80 rooms) Northern Region Suanthip Vana Resort, Chiang Rai province Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of less than 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 5372 4226 – 9 Fax: +66 (0) 5372 4230 Address: 49 Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Road, Mae Suai district, Chiang Rai 57180     The Tubkaak Boutique Resort Krabi, Krabi province Award of Outstanding Performance for Resort of less than 80 rooms Tel: +66 (0) 7562 8400 Fax: +66 (0) 7562 8499 Attn: Khun Siriporn Address: 123 Mu 3, Hat Thap Kaek, Nong Tha-le sub-district, Mueang Krabi district, Krabi 81000     TOURISM ACCOMMODATION – CONVENTION HOTEL Northeastern Region Sofitel Raja Orchid Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen province Award of Excellence for Convention Hotel Tel: +66 (0) 4332 2155 Address: 3/9 Pracha Samran Road, Meuang Khon Kaen district, Khon Kaen     Eastern Region Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya, Chon Buri province Award of Excellence for Convention Hotel Tel: +66 (0) 3823 0421 Fax: +66 (0) 3825 0511, (0) 3825 0513 Address: 353 Phra Tamnak Road, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri 20150     Dusit Resort Pattaya, Chon Buri province Award of Outstanding Performance for Convention Hotel Tel: +66 (0) 3842 5611 – 7 Fax: +66 (0) 3842 8239 Address: 240/2 Mu 5, Na Kleua sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri

GREEN ACCOMMODATION
Based on Certification Standards established by Thailand's Department of Environmental Quality Promotion

GREEN LANTA
GOLD	SILVER	GREEN
Layana Resort & Spa Pimalai Resort & Spa SriLanta Resort Moonlight Bay Resort The Narima Bungalow Resort	Andaman Lanta Resort Clean Beach Resort Kaw Kwang Beach Resort Lanta Ilmare Beach Resort Lanta Palace Resort & Beach Lanta Riviera Resort Mook Lanta Boutique Resort & Spa Ocean View Resort Southern Lanta Resort Lanta Nice Beach Resort Holiday Villa Lanta Garden Hill Resident & Resort Lanta Nakara Resort Lanta Paradise Bungalows Lanta Sand Resort & Spa Nice & Easy House Sayang Beach Bungalow	Baan Lanta Resort & Spa D.R. Lanta Bay Resort Good Days Lanta Chalet & Resort Lanta Green Garden Lanta New Beach Lanta Scenic Relax Bay Resort Diamond Sand Palace Golden Bay Cottage Lanta Bee Garden Bungalow Lanta Marina Resort Lantawadee Resort
GREEN SAMUI
GOLD	SILVER	GREEN
Samui Palm Beach Resort Chaweng Buri Resort CocoPalm Resort Samui Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam Banana Fansea Resort The Imperial Boat House Hotel The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel Central Samui Beach Resort First Bungalow Beach Resort Imperial Samui Hotel Santiburi Resort & Spa Bill Resort Nara Garden Beach Resort Chaweng Cabana Resort & Spa Utopia Bungalow Chaweng Regent Beach Resort Baan Thong Sai Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa Samui Paradise Chaweng Baan Hin Sai Resort Paradise Beach Resort	Floral House Marina Villa Beach House Samui Hotel Nova Samui Resort Malibu Beach Resort New Lapaz Villa The Beach Resort Samui Marina Cottage Samui Park Resort Como Resort Samui Natien Resort Maenam Resort Thai-Ayodhya Villas & Spa Samui Laguna Resort Lilly House Four Seasons Beach One Resort & Spa Best Beach Bungalow Sunthorn Bungalow Plan Inn 33 O.K. Village Near Sea Resort Tong Ta Kian Villa Sunrise Bungalow Lam Sai Chaweng Cove Resotel Shady Shack Bungalow Lamai Coconut Resort The Island Resort & Spa Siam Residence Deluxe Sawai Home Bungalow Naplarn Villa Sea Fan Resort Coral Cove Chalet Platuna Bungalow Lolita Bungalow Mae Nam Villa Palm Point Village Jinta Bungalow	Noi Bungalow Amadeus Bungalow P Chaweng Guest House Sunset Song 2 Bungalow Shambala Beach Bungalow