Meaningful Travel with Thailand
Tourism Cares is excited to collaborate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to support their ongoing efforts to develop a more sustainable and responsible tourism ecosystem. In 2023, TAT focused on offering more meaningful travel experiences by encouraging travelers to engage with local people, culture, and nature. Looking ahead, they are committed to further shaping Thai tourism into a sustainable and responsible industry, fostering connections that deepen global travelers' understanding and appreciation for the country and its people.
The Global Summit is an intimate, invitation-only program that brings together travel industry leaders, including tour operators, travel advisors, media, and associations, to explore and advance meaningful and sustainable travel practices. Attendees will engage directly with local Thai community leaders and changemakers who are making positive impacts through tourism within their regions. The program will be held in the fall of 2025 in partnership with TAT.
Host of the 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit
Attendance for this Summit is through invitation and application only. If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the event, please fill out the following form, and a Tourism Cares team member will follow up with more detailed information about the event, application process, and sponsorship details in the coming months.
Thailand Meaningful Travel Map
The Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map is a B2B tool that helps the travel trade and sustainably-minded travelers easily source organizations making positive social and environmental impacts in destinations. Discover vetted, sustainable offerings in Thailand that are ready to book for your next trip.
Thailand's Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Thailand is committed to integrating sustainability into their strategic direction as they elevate their standards with a specific focus on their supply chain. In order to support this objective, TAT is:
Launching its Meaningful Relationship initiative, which will inspire and motivate travelers to engage in meaningful connections with themselves, local communities, nature, and Thailand as a whole.
Promoting low carbon travel through 20 example adventures, including walking tours, boating, ziplining, biking, hiking, and other less carbon-intensive activities.
Implementing Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which include a rating system called STAR to certify tourism businesses for sustainability.
Awarding the Thailand Tourism Awards, with two new categories focused on low-carbon and sustainability.
Read more about Thailand’s 2024 initiatives here.
“The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to embark on a journey of sustainability and responsible tourism alongside Tourism Cares – to redefine travel ethics in the Land of Smiles. In 2024, TAT is committed to fostering eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices, to further place Thailand at the forefront of this global movement. Together with Tourism Cares, we aim to weave a tapestry of responsible travel experiences, engage with more Thai suppliers, and ensure their certification into the Tourism Cares program. By doing so, we may then invite visitors to discover Thailand’s rich culture while leaving a positive impact on the environment and return home with meaningful memories lasting a lifetime.”
-Tourism Authority of Thailand Los Angeles Office Director Ms. Pornpan Intratat
Thank You to Our Destination Partner
SPOTLIGHT: THE PEOPLE + PLACES OF TOURISM CARES
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre | Tourism Cares Grantee
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was provided support on behalf of Globus Family of Brands to support ongoing mentorship, build capacity and foster resiliency for Indigenous community members through meaningful employment. The grant funds will also be used to develop a new guided tour called ANCIENT MEDICINES, enriching and connecting the cultural identity of the Indigenous Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Ambassadors the Centre works with.