Meaningful Travel with Thailand
As the iconic "Land of Smiles," Thailand offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and community-based offerings, creating a tapestry of meaningful travel experiences that empower local villages, preserve cultural traditions, and protect its delicate ecosystems. From wellness retreats grounded in sustainability to immersive experiences driven by its locals to outdoor excursions that preserve the country's ecological wonders, Thailand is embracing sustainability as a cornerstone of its future.
Meet some of Thailand’s local changemakers and organizations that are driving meaningful impact for its communities — and travelers.
Ready to learn more about sustainability in Thailand? Join us for a special webinar on Tuesday, December 9, at 1 p.m.
Meaningful Travel Map of Thailand
Discover vetted, sustainable experiences, tours, accommodations, and more, on the Meaningful Travel Map of Thailand. This interactive planning tool will connect you with authentic, community-led offerings in Thailand that are bookable and ready to explore.
2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand
Tourism Cares, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), hosted its 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Bangkok and Krabi province, Thailand, from September 7 - 13, 2025.
The Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand brought together travel industry leaders from all over the globe, including tour operators, travel advisors, media, and associations, to explore the power and impact of community-based tourism and environmental conservation. Through education sessions and meaningful travel experiences, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with local Thai community leaders, suppliers, and changemakers who are making positive impacts through tourism within their regions.
>>> Read more about the Thailand summit here.
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
This program is designed to help further the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Thank You to Our Summit Hosts & Sponsors:
SPOTLIGHT: ANDAMAN DISCOVERIES | Thailand
Destination Partner: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Andaman Discovery Programs empower communities economically—villagers in tourism programs earn 30% more, supporting education and improved opportunities for families—and provide employment opportunities for women in rural villages.
Invest in local training, including guide and capacity development, to ensure lasting benefits for community partners.