Bangkok, Thailand, September 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has entered into a partnership with a European Union (EU) funded TourLink project, which was recently launched under the EU's SWITCH-ASIA program.

TourLink is a Thai initiative to promote the tourism supply chain, connecting EU buyers with Thai tour operators and suppliers, and aiming to increase competitive advantage through improved sustainability performance.

In light of climate change, systematic sustainability management is becoming an essential quality feature, a safe working method, and a key factor for successful business relationships with EU tour operators. In the post-COVID-19 tourism landscape, tourism professionals who can achieve positive results for the economy, the environment, and society will be in greater demand.

TourLink unites the experience, expertise, and energy of pioneers in sustainable tourism in Thailand and the EU: the European Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism (ECEAT), the Sustainable Tourism Management Organisation (DASTA), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Thai Eco and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), and the Thai Hotel Association (THA). The partners will work together until April 2024 to improve sustainability performance along the Thai tourism value chain and increase market demand for sustainable offerings.

The partners will strengthen the capacities of Thai tour operators and suppliers, such as hotels, transport companies, and activity providers, to achieve common standards for quality, safety, and sustainability. This will lead to internationally recognized Travelife certification for suppliers and competitive advantages for their businesses. At the same time, Thailand is positioning itself as a leading destination for sustainable tourism. TourLink also improves access for Thai tourism companies to green finance initiatives and contributes to addressing key challenges such as reducing plastic waste and food waste, as well as lowering CO₂ emissions.

According to Peter Richards, Project Manager at TourLink, “Simple, cost-saving measures can help you save money in the current situation, demonstrate professionalism and reliability to your European B2B business partners, and motivate your employees during the challenging COVID period. Travelife’s sustainability management system connects your company directly with leading EU tourism associations and showcases your achievements. Tour operators who join now benefit from free membership for 2021/22, access to Travelife’s online platform, criteria, training materials, and tips, and receive individual coaching to meet the standards.”

PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera confirms this assessment, adding: “PATA focuses on supporting the industry’s recovery with concrete, market-driven projects that demonstrate practical and responsible solutions. Our goal is to develop and/or disseminate business models that combine sustainability and profitability. Creating solid sustainability development plans gives you a competitive edge and long-term business success.”

The TourLink team is seeking to exchange ideas with other organizations in the public and private sectors. A promising opportunity lies in the collaboration with the highly innovative project "Thailand Carbon Balance," led by TEATA, DASTA, TGO, TCEB, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. This cooperation enables a comprehensive approach along the entire EU-Thai tourism value chain regarding CO₂ calculation, management, and offsetting (CO₂ certificates).

PATA is also building on its pioneering BUFFET Toolkit, which provides step-by-step guidance on reducing food waste, and on the Plastic Free Toolkit for tour operators to develop new standards, tools, and innovative training to help Thai tourism professionals embrace sustainability as an opportunity for well-paid work during the COVID-19 recovery.