On July 21, 2025, Thailand was recognized for its efforts in sustainable tourism, earning six awards from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The accolades highlight Thailand’s commitment to community-based development and environmental responsibility within its tourism sector.
Among the honors, Thailand received its first-ever PATA Grand Award, presented to the Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay Community Enterprise. Located in a rural area, the initiative was recognized for preserving cultural traditions through a tourism model that emphasizes local participation and long-term sustainability.
Five additional Thai projects were honored with PATA Gold Awards. These included a carbon-neutral tourism initiative praised for its climate action measures and a program titled “Community-based Tourism for All,” which was recognized for promoting inclusivity and access for diverse community groups. In Songkhla province, the transformation of the old town into a creative district earned the Destination Resilience award, commending its integration of local culture, arts, and civic engagement.
Other awards acknowledged contributions to community empowerment. A project in Chiang Rai was noted for encouraging women’s leadership in tourism development, while a youth savings initiative in Loei province received recognition for promoting financial literacy and encouraging active youth involvement in the local economy.
The awards, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan, reflect the success of efforts led by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and its regional partners. Sasikarn emphasized that these initiatives are rooted in long-term community engagement and shared responsibility, offering scalable models for inclusive and environmentally conscious tourism across the country.
