Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Program is growing. In collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the global non-profit has added Thailand to its collection of Meaningful Travel Maps, a series of interactive maps that showcase organizations making positive social and environmental impacts in destinations.
The unique B2B tool is a great resource for travel advisors who can confidently explore and recommend the maps’ vetted offerings to their sustainably-minded clients. Speaking of sustainability, it was this same sense of responsibility that encouraged TAT to join Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Program, with the website stating the organization’s goal of “fostering connections that deepen global travelers’ understanding and appreciation for the country and its people.”
TAT’s move to partner with Tourism Cares is just one of the organization’s ongoing 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,” reads the Tourism Cares website. Here are TAT’s additional goals to support this objective:
- Rolling out its Meaningful Relationship Initiative to, “inspire and motivate travelers to engage in meaningful connections with themselves, local communities, nature and Thailand as a whole,” according to Tourism Cares.
- Encouraging low-carbon travel through 20 example adventures, including walking tours, ziplining, biking, boating, hiking and more.
- Executing Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) — in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals — to include a STAR rating system to certify tourism businesses for sustainability.
- Celebrating the Thailand Tourism Awards which will now feature two new categories with a focus on low-carbon and sustainability.
“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,” said Ms. Pornpan Intratat, Los Angeles office director for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “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 certification into the Tourism Cares program.”
Click here to learn more about Thailand’s 2024 initiatives.
To browse all of Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Maps, visit the non-profit’s website or click here to learn more.
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