The event, at the Royal Phuket City Hotel on Thursday (Mar 13), brought together key stakeholders, including Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, as well as representatives from government agencies, the public sector and the hotel industry.
Organised by the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the initiative seeks to address the environmental impact of Thailand’s booming tourism sector.
In 2024, tourism generated B1.67 trillion in revenue, but Phuket alone contributed 3.16 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 0.82% of the country’s total, Mr Chalermchai said.
The Minister emphasised the need for a shift to a low-carbon, sustainable tourism model to mitigate these effects and align with global trends.
The ‘Green Hotel Plus’ certification, developed under the initiative, sets criteria for eco-friendly hotel management in accordance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, hotel operators and academic institutions. Its goal is to certify approximately 600 Phuket hotels to international environmental standards by February 2026.
Beyond local impact, the initiative also supports Thailand’s role as a leader in sustainable tourism on the global stage, Mr Chalermchai said.
Phuket is set to host the World Sustainable Tourism Conference from Mar 31 to Apr 4, 2026, providing a platform for exchanging knowledge and strategies for eco-conscious tourism development, he added.
The ‘Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox’ project marks a significant step in Thailand’s efforts to balance tourism growth with environmental responsibility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices in the hospitality sector, Mr Chalermchai concluded.