Bangkok, Thailand, March 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce its first partnership with Tourism Cares, a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the travel and tourism industry. This collaboration is based on the firm belief that the travel sector can have a positive social, environmental, and economic impact.

With the aim of promoting sustainable tourism in Thailand, the TAT has implemented various initiatives to achieve its Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs). Examples include standardization programs such as STARS, CF Hotels, Green Leaves, and the Thailand Tourism Awards (TTA), which are designed to encourage Thai providers to adopt sustainable practices.

In the US market, TAT collaborates with Tourism Cares, an organization that has been driving positive change for over two decades. Tourism Cares brings together global tourism industry players to contribute to the well-being of local communities through various initiatives, including programs, educational offerings, and resources.

“The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to partner with Tourism Cares, as we share a common vision that travel can provide meaningful experiences for both travelers and the people and communities they visit. Partnering with Tourism Cares will give Thai tourism businesses valuable insights into the sustainable travel preferences of U.S. travelers. This partnership will allow us to enhance our offerings and better meet the needs of these environmentally conscious travelers,” stated Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

In 2023, Thailand welcomed approximately 930,000 US tourists, a 112% increase (post-COVID-19 pandemic) compared to the previous year. US tourists are seeking unique experiences that allow for a deep connection with the local population. The Tourism Authority of Thailand projects tourism revenues of between 1.54 and 1.92 billion baht from the international market and between 0.86 and 1.08 billion baht from the domestic market in its baseline scenario for 2024.

To provide the travel industry and sustainability-minded travelers with quick access to vetted, sustainable organizations that are making a positive impact on society and the environment in their destinations, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with Tourism Cares, has created the "Meaningful Travel Map of Thailand" and added 15 Impact Partners. More partners will be added. The map is available at www.tourismcares.org/thailand.

John Sutherland, Senior Director of Community Impact at Tourism Cares, expressed his enthusiasm for the organization's commitment in Southeast Asia, describing it as a significant collaboration with Thailand. He acknowledged Thailand's outstanding role in sustainability efforts in the region and highlighted the potential that had emerged during the recent "Meaningful Travel FAM" information event hosted by Tourism Cares with Thailand.

“Throughout the past week, we have been in close contact with local authorities, individuals, and communities to foster a constructive exchange of ideas and ensure that travel is used for good. The partnership between Tourism Cares and the TAT aims to introduce sustainable Thai products and services to the US market, thereby making a positive contribution to the people and places of Thailand.”

From March 6 to 14, 2024, TAT and Tourism Cares organized the “Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel FAM with Thailand.” Together, they brought 14 representatives from various sectors of the tourism industry to Thailand, where they gained valuable experience, for example, through exchanges with local Thai businesspeople and communities in Bangkok and Krabi.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor Mr. Cheawsamoot emphasized, “Sustainability is at the heart of our strategies. Sustainable travel like this wouldn’t be possible without sustainable transportation. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air for the second year running, following the launch of the ‘Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines’ campaign in 2022. This initiative provided US travelers with easy access to Thailand and reduced the stress often associated with international travel. This year, we are intensifying our efforts to further develop this accessibility into a more responsible way for every customer to travel.”

We see sustainability not as an option, but as a way of life. Luxury and sustainability don't have to be mutually exclusive, as we seamlessly integrate both. We are delighted to expand our partnership with Thailand and are proud to have Thailand as an integral part of our Delta sustainability program.

Following the announcement of the collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Tourism Cares, an information event for Thai tourism professionals was held at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel. The program included a presentation by Tourism Cares and a panel discussion on "Sustainable Thailand Travel for the US Travel Market," moderated by leading figures from the public and private sectors of the tourism industry. The event concluded with a networking opportunity for FAM participants and Thai providers.

About the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established in 1960 by the Royal Thai Government to promote tourism. Since 1965, the TAT has also had a presence in the United States and maintains offices in New York and Los Angeles.

About Tourism Cares: Tourism Cares, Inc. is a U.S.-based non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) dedicated to leveraging the positive impact of the travel industry to benefit people and communities. We believe it is in everyone's best interest to support the destinations our industry depends on so that communities, travelers, and businesses can thrive. We mobilize the entire industry to use its business model for the benefit of all by uniting, activating, and inspiring all sectors to make a positive impact through travel. Learn more at TourismCares.org and @TourismCares.

About Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines is one of the largest and most established airlines in the United States and one of the oldest airlines still operating worldwide. Its headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline, its subsidiaries, and regional partners, including Delta Connection, offer more than 5,400 daily flights to 325 destinations in 52 countries across six continents. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance. Delta has nine hubs, with Atlanta being the largest in terms of passenger volume and departures. Based on the number of passengers carried, Delta ranks second among the world's largest airlines.

About Korean Air: Founded in 1969, Korean Air is one of the world's 20 largest airlines, carrying over 26 million passengers in 2017. The airline offers more than 460 daily flights to 124 cities in 44 countries across six continents. Its modern fleet comprises 174 aircraft, and it employs over 20,000 people. Korean Air's core businesses include passenger, cargo, and space transport, catering, and boarding pass sales. The airline's main hub is located in the newly opened Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport (ICN).

Korean Air is also a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance established in 2000. SkyTeam comprises 19 members and offers over 10,062 daily flights to 1,062 cities in more than 170 countries worldwide. SkyTeam members are committed to providing their passengers with safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experiences.