The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to organise the first official eco-tourism consumer fair in the third quarter next year to cash in on a growing trend.
Vilaiwan Twichasri, TAT's deputy governor for tourism products and business, said the fair would feature ecological and green tourism products, soft adventure and One Tambon One Product items, focusing on domestic tourists.
Eco-tourism shows a concern for the environment, culture, tradition and sustainable interest of the planet.
The budget and official name of the event have not been finalised.
"Ecological and green tourism is the global trend," said Ms Vilaiwan. "This segment is tourism's future and could provide sustainable development for Thailand's tourism industry."
Generation X and Generation Y tourists favour eco-tourism and soft adventure activities such as the children's boat (The Bonanza Resort, Khao Yai), horse riding (Chokchai Farm) and high ropes (Springfield Village Golf & Spa).
In previous years, the private sector has pioneered eco-tourism activities.
However, Ms Vilaiwan said such practices have yet to meet international standards, so TAT is studying the segment's marketing value, business direction, marketing trends and demand to upgrade the standard of operators.