The Department of Tourism has announced that the Ban Tham Suea Tourism Community in Phetchaburi, the Sapphaya Tourism Community in Chainat, and the Ban Mae Soon Noi Tourism Community in Chiang Mai have earned international sustainability certifications, placing Thailand’s community-based tourism on the world stage. These communities passed the Green Destinations assessment, adhering to the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Chaturon Pakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, praised the achievement: “The Department of Tourism remains committed to promoting and developing community-based tourism that highlights local lifestyles, culture, and wisdom. This form of tourism not only provides visitors with unique experiences but also creates jobs, boosts local economies, and promotes environmental stewardship.”
Currently, 161 tourism communities across Thailand have been awarded the Community-Based Tourism Standard (CBT Thailand) certification. Among them, two communities—Ban Tham Suea and Sapphaya—have gone further, earning the Bronze Level Good Travel Seal (GTS) certification from the Green Destinations Foundation, a prestigious international sustainability standard from the Netherlands. This recognition underscores their strong sustainable tourism management practices, which focus on environmental conservation and community well-being.
Additionally, the Ban Mae Soon Noi Tourism Community in Chiang Mai achieved the Checked Level certification, passing the basic assessment criteria. This certification confirms its commitment to meeting initial sustainable tourism standards.
Meeting Global Standards
To achieve these certifications, communities must fulfil rigorous criteria in over 10 categories, including:
- Local product and food promotion
- Pollution reduction and eco-tourism practices
- Efficient water resource management
- Job creation and improved quality of life
- Cultural preservation and waste management
- Greenhouse gas reduction and communication strategies
These certified communities will also be promoted on the Green Destinations platform (https://goodtravel.guide/), enhancing global visibility and providing international tourists with new opportunities to explore Thailand’s sustainable tourism communities.
The Department of Tourism congratulates Ban Tham Suea, Sapphaya, and Ban Mae Soon Noi for their remarkable achievement, which elevates Thailand’s reputation for sustainable tourism and strengthens the global competitiveness of the nation’s community-based tourism sector.
