TAT Launches New ‘Star’ Rating to Boost Sustainable Tourism
New initiative to help tourists choose green-minded businesses as Thailand aims to become a global leader in sustainable travel
- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the "STGs STAR programme," a new rating system that awards businesses 3 to 5 stars based on sustainability criteria adapted from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
- The system aims to make it easier for tourists to identify and choose eco-friendly businesses, with the ultimate goal of establishing Thailand as a world leader in sustainable travel.
- A pilot program for the new rating system is currently underway in Krabi province, with plans to expand the model to other popular destinations like Chiang Mai and Phuket.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is introducing a new rating system to champion sustainable tourism, with the goal of positioning the country as a world leader in the green travel movement.
The STGs STAR programme, or Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating, adapts the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into a more accessible framework for Thai businesses.
The system awards businesses with three, four, or five stars, which serve as a recognisable symbol of quality for both local and international tourists.
Erblarp Sripirom, TAT Director of Tourism Products, explained that the initiative is about more than just boosting the economy.
"Our vision is for Thai tourism to also improve community life and raise standards for operators, helping the country become a leader in sustainable tourism on the world stage," she said.
TAT is also promoting other programmes to support its green mission. The CF-Hotels platform helps hotels and accommodations calculate their carbon footprint, while the prestigious Thailand Tourism Awards now includes a special “Green Kinnaree” symbol for outstanding achievements in sustainability.
In a pilot programme, the TAT has chosen Krabi province as a prototype for sustainable tourism development. They are working with local businesses to ensure they meet the new criteria, with a plan to expand the model to other provinces like Chiang Mai and Phuket in the future.
The ultimate goal is to make sustainable choices easier for tourists.
On the "One Map Tourism" website, visitors can easily find and book trips that meet the green standards. Highlighted destinations include Nan Old Town, which has received a Green Destinations Award, and Krabi, where TAT has curated 10 model “Travel with Care” routes featuring eco-friendly businesses and activities.
By making it simple for tourists to choose green-certified businesses, TAT hopes to create a powerful incentive for more operators to embrace sustainability, ensuring the long-term health of Thailand’s environment, culture, and tourism industry.
