Advancing Chiang Mai as a Sustainable Tourism Destination, TAT Convenes Network Partners to Design Travel Routes
Thailand's Tourism Authority is developing Chiang Mai as a sustainable tourism model, convening representatives from all 18 districts to design eco-friendly travel routes that meet international standards while supporting local communities
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is moving forward with the "Chiang Mai Prototype" project to elevate Chiang Mai province's tourism products and services to international sustainability standards. Ms. Aoblaph Sripirom, Director of Tourism Products at TAT, explained that the "Designing Sustainable Tourism Routes in Chiang Mai" activity will gather input and foster collaboration among partner networks representing all 18 districts of the province.
TAT aims to drive Thailand's tourism industry toward Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) to enhance the nation's competitiveness as a sustainable destination across social, economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions. The organization is developing sustainable tourism products and services in pilot areas through a Sustainable Product Prototype process while strengthening the capacity and quality of supply chain businesses to meet national and international sustainability standards.
Chiang Mai was selected as the sustainability prototype area due to its diverse tourism resources, distinctive northern Thai cultural identity, comprehensive infrastructure, and smart city development aspirations. The province is also recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City for crafts and folk arts. TAT is partnering with networks including the STGs STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating), Thailand Tourism Awards, and CF-Hotels (Carbon Footprint Hotels) to develop sustainable tourism routes and establish Chiang Mai as Thailand's new green destination.
The "Designing Sustainable Tourism Routes in Chiang Mai" activity brought together 68 representatives from all 18 districts—including Muang, Samoeng, Sankamphaeng, Santhitham, Mae On, Kalyanavatana, Doi Saket, Saraphi, Omkoi, Mae Chaem, Chaiyaphrakan, Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, Chom Thong, Mae Rim, Mae Ai, Mae Wang, and Mae Taeng—along with relevant government agencies. Participants brainstormed and presented sustainable tourism products and services based on principles of self-care, environmental stewardship, and community benefit. Selection criteria included sales readiness, connectivity to major attractions, and offerings that reflect local identity, lifestyle, culture, and wisdom while creating meaningful tourist experiences with positive impacts on communities and the environment.
