Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Sustainable Tourism in Thailand

Thailand Sustainable Tourism Industry Outlook from 2024 to 2034

Sustainable tourism is developing its place in the tourism sector of Thailand, with a projected industry value of USD 33.2 million in 2024 and a presentable CAGR of 15.8% from 2024 to 2034. By taking a look at the trend of eco-tourism and people’s likeness toward the diverse ecosystem of the country, the sustainable tourism industry in Thailand is envisioned to generate USD 143.9 million in revenue by 2034.

Thailand’s eco-friendly practices hope to minimize environmental impacts while maintaining indigenous cultures and supporting local economies. Owing to the breath-taking sceneries in Thailand, a history that is full of culture and a thriving tourism industry.

Effective tourism campaigns in Thailand are some of the measures that help in retaining the various types of ecosystems the country hosts. These include national parks, coastal areas, and tropical rainforests. The initiatives involve instructing visitors about ethical actions such as appropriate waste disposal, energy conservation, and wildlife protection.

The preservation of cultural heritage is given top priority in Thailand's sustainable tourism programs. This emphasizes polite relationships between visitors and residents. Such initiatives entail apprising travelers about local customs, supporting area artisans, and encouraging intercultural exchanges.

Along with promoting local products and services, homestays, locally guided tours, and other community-based endeavors, the sustainable tourism sector also seeks to strengthen the local economy. By involving local communities in tourism-related activities, the intention is to enhance the standard of living and give the local communities economic power.

The economy of Thailand has cultivated considerably due to green tourism carrying distinct terrestrial features for transportation and product offerings, creating jobs, and raising income. Thailand's government association with education, chances for economic growth and the existence of various tourist services are key to the possible expansion of its sustainable tourism.

Moreover, the expansion of eco-friendly transit is anticipated to improve sustainable tourism by enhancing an essential mode of transportation. Furthermore, there would be advantages to travel agencies with additional trade prospects.

Thailand's tourism sector is dedicated to maintaining its natural environment by enhancing energy performance, thereby minimizing consumption and habitat conservation with community involvement. Influencer partnerships, pictures, and brief video posts are replacing commercials as the main advertising strategy for Thailand's brands and tour agencies on social media.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Thailand Sustainable Tourism Industry Size (2024E)	USD 33.2 million
Projected Thailand Sustainable Tourism Industry Value (2034F)	USD 143.9 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	15.8%

Key Industry Highlights

Community-based Leisure Industry Generates Revenue

In order to sustainably grow and manage tourism while preserving local cultures, local economies, and community ties are the main goals of Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT). National and regional legislators frequently support such approaches to augment the local trades.

Residents of the communities in Thailand are involved in the planning, decision-making, and implementation of tourist activities. They offer curriculums such as homestays, guided tours, cultural gatherings, craft workshops, and community conservation initiatives. The intention is to provide visitors with an authentic experience that helps and supports the neighborhood.

Community-based tourism considerably boosts the economic growth of Thailand's rural provinces. This is accomplished by encouraging tourism-related activities, creating local jobs, and funding infrastructure, healthcare, and community development programs.

CBT promotes local consumption of goods and services, preserving traditional means of subsistence. It also highlights the possibilities of eco-friendly travel, all of which contribute to sustainable development and economic expansion.

Eco-tourism Gains Momentum in Holiday Business

Eco-tourism is currently a part of Thailand's national tourism policy. It aims to conserve the environment, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and increase environmental consciousness among visitors and residents.

Thailand's eco-tourism is a prevalent destination owing to the efforts to preserve the environment and cultural heritage. It offers attractions near historical monuments and indigenous populations, promoting sustainability through cultural events, indigenous practices, and local goods purchases.

Thailand's eco-tourism provides exciting and one-of-a-kind experiences for the younger consumer base, featuring Gen Z and millennial tourists. This comprises activities like seeing national parks and animal refuges, as well as partaking in outdoor pursuits like kayaking, birding, hiking, and snorkeling.

Thailand's eco-tourism initiative strives to protect the environment by implementing responsible tourism criteria. These include trash reduction, community conservation, environmental education, and sustainable tourist standards.

Rise of Sustainable Transportation Trend

Thailand is encouraging sustainable travel by emphasizing eco-friendly transportation, cutting carbon emissions, and boosting public transit. The goal is to improve tourism experiences for both visitors and residents.

The government of Thailand emphasizes public transit as an environmentally friendly alternative to private automobiles. In Bangkok, the MRT subway, bus, and Skytrain networks offer convenient and affordable modes of transit that help cut down on carbon emissions and traffic jams.

Thailand has developed shared walkways, bike lanes reserved for cyclists, and pedestrian-friendly roads in towns and well-known tourist locations. Bike-sharing programs in places like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok offer environmentally friendly transportation options and promote sustainable, active travel.

Thailand encourages the use of electric vehicles, green transportation plans, and tax benefits for eco-friendly activities. The government and private players in the hospitality industry also engage in marketing campaigns. They intend to raise public awareness of environmental issues and conserve the environment.

2019 to 2023 Thailand Sustainable Tourism Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

The demand has historically developed at a CAGR of 10.1%. However, travel deals for Thailand have started advancing at a better pace, displaying a CAGR of 15.8% from 2024 to 2034.

Following the epidemic in 2022, the Thai tourism sector has witnessed substantial investments, especially in ecological tourism. This has increased visitor numbers and revived the industry's development pace.

Till the end of 2023, awareness of sustainable tourism increased despite the need for more tourists to learn about its benefits. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is making efforts to enlighten and inform tourists about sustainable pilgrimage.

Sustainable travel requires effective management to minimize social deterioration and environmental impacts while promoting economic growth. Still, economic fluctuations, inadequate accessibility, lack of coordination, and low social impact recognition are anticipated to hinder progress in Thailand by 2024.

Tourists from Malaysia, China, India, and Russia boost Thailand's sustainable tourism. Initiatives such as visa-free programs, lesser-known city promotions, and longer vacations add to this progression.

Following the government's initiatives in 2024, Thailand offers a plethora of unique and nature-based experiences. Such initiatives cater to the burgeoning demand for ecotourism. They provide tourists with unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in Thailand's natural environment through the tourism sector.

By 2034, Thai tourism companies and brands aim to focus on collaborative strategies with local establishments to develop ecotourism and assemble a myriad consumer base. This effort also aims to generate revenue for local businesses, recognizing the value of such collaborations in the tourism sector.

Comparative Industry Overview

The following section compares the Thailand sustainable tourism industry to Thailand's medical tourism industry and Thailand tourism industry, examining trends, opportunities, and CAGR from 2024 to 2034. The demand for sustainable tourism and medical tourism is gaining momentum in the tourism sector of Thailand.

Thailand Medical Tourism Industry Assessment:

The demand for medical surgeries is advancing in the healthcare sector of Thailand. Medical professionals are developing novel techniques and procedures that can be performed on a minimal budget. Thai hospitals offer opportunities to develop experimental methods to stagger the healthcare economy of the nation.

The Thai government has simplified the visa process for medical tourists, attracting a considerable crowd, especially from underdeveloped countries, to participate in experimental procedures.

Attributes	Description
Related Industry	Thailand Medical Tourism Industry
CAGR (2024 to 2034)	15.7%
Growth Factor	Growing prevalence of experimental procedures
Opportunity	Thai government can develop extensive range of incentive programs for medical purposes
Key Trend	Revolution in the healthcare sector

Thailand Tourism Industry Assessment:

Thailand's position as a religious destination, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim, is attracting more spiritual and family tourists. Tourism providers are offering comprehensive temple or Wat experiences, private rooms, fine dining, and luxury experiences. Tour companies are providing online booking, AI tools, and virtual experiences to help tourists navigate the tourist attractions of Thailand.

Attributes	Description
Related Industry	Thailand Tourism Industry
CAGR (2024 to 2034)	3.2%
Growth Factor	The ease in the visa procedures and Thailand’s position as a bulging tourist terminus
Opportunity	Thai tourism companies are developing more personalized holidays suited for the customers
Key Trends	Rise in cultural management

Category-wise Insights

In the following section, the main impacting segments of Thailand's sustainable tourism sector are analyzed and demonstrated by the data from the research. The industry has gained momentum from tourists aged between 26 to 35 years in 2024. Maximum tour bookings are done by using online booking methods.

Tourists aged between 26 to 36 Years to Develop a Consumer Base of 39.6% in 2024

Segment	26 to 35 Years (Age Group)
Value Share (2024)	39.6%

In 2024, tourists aged between 26 and 35 are set to witness a 39.6% revenue share since they prefer island exploration activities and adventurous experiences. These consist of scuba diving, water rafting, kayaking, and surfing. The youthful adult age group is more likely to travel and explore Thailand's natural beauty.

The demand for eco-friendly accommodations, such as eco-lodges and sustainable hostels and resorts, is on the rise among people ages 26 to 35 years. Such trends present an opportunity for Thai businesses to not only cater to the demand but also contribute to the preservation of Thailand's natural beauty.

Businesses can make a positive impact on the environment by adopting green practices and offering unique, sustainable accommodation experiences. This can also help attract more eco-conscious tourists aged between 26 to 36 years.

Online Tour Bookings Caters Almost 58.3% of Eco Travels in Thailand

Segment	Online Booking (Booking Channel)
Value Share (2024)	58.3%

Online tour booking is becoming steadily prevalent in the tourist sector of Thailand, with a projected 58.3% industry share in 2024. Due to their ease of use, better security, live tracking, and seamless financial transfers, tourists like digital booking services.

Online booking is growing in popularity throughout the globe as more and more tourists utilize the Internet to research tourist destinations. They can now also compare the costs of lodging, dining options, and admission tickets.

Several tourism establishments in Thailand are looking to develop attractive and eye-catching websites and social media accounts that attract more and more customers. The advanced and easy-to-use applications of online booking platforms are widespread in Thailand.

Competition Outlook

In order to obtain a competitive edge, major tourism companies in the Thailand sustainable tourism industry are concentrating on enhancing their offers by introducing new tour destinations, special packages, and discounts.

Because the nature-based tourist industry in Thailand is dependent on the growth of ecology in various places, the country's tourism is diverse. The focus of major industry participants is setting a new benchmark for environmentally friendly travel.

To be competitive in the traveler ecosystem, Thailand's hospitality business is always improving the quality of its services and developing its methods of treatment. Such kind of marketing tactics are something that players are anticipated to highlight when pitching tour packages.

Companies in the burgeoning sector, meantime, are promoting sustainability through a variety of tactics. These take account of reporting sustainable practices, resources, and methodologies to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Industry Updates

• In April 2024, Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT) is launching a 'CF-Hotels' initiative, allowing hotel operators to create a database of environmental inventory, calculate the carbon footprint, and use the data for sustainable tourism management.
• In April 2024, Thailand.org, a non-profit initiative by Tourism.co.th, aims to transform Thailand's travel experience by showcasing sustainable and culturally respectful travel opportunities. The establishment will launch a mobile app with features like instant Thai translation.
• In July 2023, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to enhance tourism supply, promote sustainable standards, and leverage Thai soft powers to develop high-value, sustainable tourism in 2024, balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects.
• In June 2023, UNESCO and DASTA renewed their Memorandum of Understanding, committing to support sustainable tourism and local development in Thailand, focusing on capacity building and heritage safeguarding at selected sites.

Leading Sustainable Tourism Brands in Thailand

• Asian Oasis
• Anurak Community Lodge
• AKARYN Hotel Group
• Soneva Kiri
• Elephant Hills
• Six Senses Yao Noi
• The Tongsai Bay
• Yaana Ventures
• The Sarojin
• EXO Travel
• Bike Tours Thailand
• Thrilling Thai Tours Ltd.
• Thailand Responsible Tourism Association (TRTA)
• Experience Travel Group (ETG)

Key Segments of Industry Report

By Tourism Type:

The industry is categorized into eco-tourism, green tourism, soft tourism, and community tourism based on the tourism type.

By Booking Channel:

Depending on the booking channels, the industry is branched into phone booking, online booking and in-person booking.

By Tourist Type:

Based on the tourist type, the industry is bifurcated into domestic and international.

By Tour Type:

Depending on the tour types, the industry is trifurcated into independent travelers, tour groups, and package travelers.

By Consumer Orientation:

The industry is bifurcated into men and women based on consumer orientation.

By Age Group:

The industry is examined across several age groups, including 15 to 25 years, 26 to 35 years, 36 to 45 years, 46 to 55 years, as well as 66 to 75 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Sustainable Tourism Sector in Thailand?

The sector is valued at USD 33.2 million in 2024.

What is the Future of Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Industry?

The sector is set to be valued at USD 143.9 million by 2034.

Why is Sustainable Tourism Important in Thailand?

In Thailand, the diverse ecosystem offers novel opportunities for the development of sustainable tourism.

What is the Forecast for the Thai Sustainable Tourism Industry?

The industry is set to register a CAGR of 15.8% through 2034.

Which Booking Channel Does Tourists of Thailand Prefer?

Online booking is anticipated to acquire a 58.3% industry share in 2024.