BANGKOK—The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing its ongoing responsible tourism strategy by announcing a new “Travel Thailand in Style, Reduce Plastic Waste” collaboration initiative with various stakeholders in a bid to cut tourism-related waste by up to 50 percent by 2020.
The framework will see TAT work hand in hand with strategic partners in launching publicity campaigns for responsible tourism. Public and private sector partners include the Expedia Group, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Assn., the Chao Phraya River tourism-related businesses including ICONSIAM, Nonthaburi Municipality, Siam Piwat Retail and Development Company, and local communities in Bangkok.
The collaboration and follow-up initiatives will encourage both tourists and businesses to address waste problems in key travel destinations in the country’s tourism sector.
Consumption of Reusable, Sustainable Items Encouraged
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “This collaboration is set to serve as a catalyst within Thailand’s travel and tourism sectors. These activities will instill a sense of environmental consciousness as well as encourage tourists to travel responsibly by leaving only footprints and taking only good memories. TAT will take a lead role in providing support and recommendations on how to reduce waste and single-use plastics. We will encourage consumption of reusable or sustainable items; such as, plant-based drinking straws instead of plastic straws. Cotton bags instead of plastic bags, water tumblers instead of plastic bottles, reusable food utensils instead of single-use plastic or foam items.”
The initiative will kick off in Bangkok and then expand into secondary tourist destinations around the country.
Through its actions TAT will continue to highlight its commitment to Thailand’s marine environment and ocean conservation, as well as the rescue of imperiled marine animals that are most at risk from plastic.
