Eight partner organisations from three key ministries and the private sector among those aiming for net zero emissions in tourism.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive Thailand towards zero-emission tourism with seven partner organisations from three key ministries – Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, as well the private sector.

The MoU was inked last Friday (10 September, 2021) at a virtual signing ceremony presided over by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Prof. D.R. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said “The MoU signals an important step forward in Thailand’s efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change, both because of the intended goals and the increased cooperation among the government and private sectors the agreement calls for.”

Under the MoU that drives toward zero-emission tourism (carbon neutral tourism) under the Carbon Balance Scheme, eight partner organisations will work together to achieve sustainable net zero emissions among them.

Working in an integrated effort, the partner organisations will:

(1) Jointly develop knowledge related to net zero carbon tourism suitable for the context of the Thai tourism business sector;

(2) Support the development of net zero carbon tourism management, drive tourism routes, activities, services, and innovations managed with this concept in the Thai tourism and business events industry;

(3) Promote a net zero carbon approach within the demand-supply of the Thai tourism and business events industry to manage and access design guidelines and facilitate carbon offsets;

(4) Raise public awareness about climate change.

Along with TAT, the seven other partner organisations are the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand (TCC and BOT), Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMU), and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).