Koh Tao, a world-famous diving destination, has set itself the goal of becoming a socially and environmentally responsible tourist destination through tourism management as well as nature conservation and restoration measures.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with the Koh Tao Tourism Association, organized the information trip “Spotlight Koh Tao 2023” to Koh Tao in Surat Thani province from April 7th to 9th, 2023. The trip took place within the framework of the “Reborn the Nature” project and aimed to promote responsible tourism and meaningful travel experiences.

The Spotlight Ko Tao 2023 information trip aimed to raise awareness in the field of volunteer tourism, among divers and tourist groups who value environmental responsibility, and to lead to sales of travel packages that generate local income and contribute to the revival of the Thai economy.

The trip was attended by 68 media professionals, influencers, entrepreneurs and representatives of travel companies from Asia and the South Pacific, who focus on creating trends in responsible tourism.

The program of the information trip offered a variety of conservation activities such as coral restoration, repairing mooring buoys, collecting marine debris, coral mapping, building fish houses, and planting trees. Participants also had the opportunity to create jewelry from recycled bottles and glass ("Sea Glass"), fabric from coconut shells ("CoCo Tie Dye Ko Tao"), fabric with leaves ("ECO PRINT"), and "Plas-Tao" (plastic made from recycled plastic). Other highlights of the trip included the Ko Tao Green Market, the Mini Dive & Adventure Expo, island sports, and sampling the delicious local cuisine.

The participants invited by TAT Sydney are renowned underwater photographer Jayne Jenkins and accomplished underwater filmmaker Tom Park. During their stay on Koh Tao, they both participated in underwater conservation projects with Black Turtle Dive. They also spent several nights on Koh Samui, where they visited various temples, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary – the first ethically managed and award-winning elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui – the fishing village of Hua Thanon, and the Mu Ko Angthong Marine Park – one of Thailand's most beautiful marine parks.

During their stay on Koh Tao, they both participated in marine conservation projects and sustainability workshops and enjoyed several unforgettable dives, including the breathtaking Sail Rock. On land, they experienced nature conservation firsthand at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary.

The province of Surat Thani, including Ko Tao, is a world-renowned destination for those who wish to learn to dive and strives to become a socially and environmentally responsible destination through its tourism management and activities for the conservation and restoration of nature.

This underwater world festival showcases the many opportunities for responsible tourism and meaningful experiences in Koh Tao, Koh Samui and the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park.