Tourexpi
Thailand
and Bhutan have taken a significant step toward deepening cooperation in
sustainable tourism, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently
hosting a high-level delegation from Bhutan’s Department of Tourism (DOT) and
the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO). From 20 to 23 June 2025,
the delegation explored Thailand’s sustainability practices at both policy and
community levels, marking a key milestone in the Thailand–Bhutan sustainable
tourism partnership.
The
visit reinforces both nations’ commitment to responsible tourism and sets the
stage for stronger collaboration under the “Two Countries, One Destination”
framework, aimed at shared learning, joint product development, and meaningful
travel experiences rooted in sustainability.
The
programme opened with a welcome meeting led by Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai,
TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific,
alongside Ms. Patsri Permwongsaenee, Executive Director for ASEAN, South Asia
and South Pacific Region; Ms. Eblarp Sripirom, Executive Director of the
Tourism Products Department; and Mr. Santi Sawaengcharoen, Deputy Executive
Director, Office of the Governor.
TAT
presented Thailand’s strategic direction for sustainable tourism in alignment
with international benchmarks and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
standards. The session included case studies of Thai businesses recognised for
environmental and community-based initiatives, including The Westin Grande
Sukhumvit, awarded the Green Hotel Standard Plus certification for 2024–2027.
From
21 to 23 June, the delegation visited Nan province to explore practical models
of sustainable tourism. They met with Mrs. Wilaiwan Budasa, Vice Governor of
Nan, to discuss regional cooperation and inclusive tourism development. The
programme featured visits to recognised hospitality and tourism businesses,
including Nan Boutique Hotel and Resort, Cocoa Valley, Saengthong Resort, and
Pupakannapua—each certified under schemes such as the Thailand Tourism Awards,
Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR), Tourism Care, Green Restaurant,
and Green Hotel. These visits facilitated valuable knowledge exchange on
eco-friendly operations, cultural preservation, and community-based tourism.
A
guided tram tour of Nan Old Town, a Green Destinations Gold Level
awardee—Thailand’s first recipient of the honour in ASEAN and the only one in
Asia in 2025—highlighted the town’s leadership in creative and sustainable
urban development.
This
latest collaboration builds on earlier engagement at Thailand Travel Mart Plus
(TTM+) 2025, held from 5–7 June in Khao Lak, Phang-nga, where Bhutan
participated alongside Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries. The event laid
important groundwork for continued progress under the shared Thailand–Bhutan
vision of “Two Countries, One Destination.”
Image
Credit: © TAT
The most interesting news


Tourism highlighted as driver of structural transformation
Tourism was in the spotlight as a powerful lever for structural transformation at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3).


Seabourn announces new ocean and expedition itineraries for 2027–2028
Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has released its 2027 summer ocean and 2027–2028 expedition schedules, offering 111 departures across 72 unique itineraries to 369 destinations in 71 countries on all seven continents.


World Tourism Forum Institute to launch groundbreaking Tourism Investment Index at Brussels Annual Meeting 2025
The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) is set to make history with the debut of the first-ever World Tourism Investment Index during the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Brussels.


Discover La Palma: The new cinematic travel destination for families
Lights, camera, action: Why La Palma is the new favorite film set


Ryanair to open new base in Tirana für Summer 2026
Ryanair, Albania’s fastest-growing airline, today announced that it will open a new base at Tirana Airport in April 2026, with three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based there.


Empowering youth entrepreneurship in the Dominican Republic
TUI Care Foundation supports new ecotourism experiences.


IHG Accelerates Growth in Thailand with Introduction of voco Hotels to Phuket
175-key voco Phuket Bangtao to open in 2029 as brand’s third signing in the country.


Recovery Prospects for Germany’s Incoming Tourism after a Challenging First Half of 2025
After a first half marked by trade disputes and geopolitical tensions that unsettled consumers in many source markets, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) now sees signs of renewed interest among potential visitors from key markets for the remai


Agoda and ASEAN Launch ‘A Destination for Every Dream’ Campaign on ASEAN Day
Digital travel platform Agoda, in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has launched the ‘A Destination for Every Dream’ campaign to inspire and promote travel within the ASEAN region.


Spain: Tourism employment exceeds 3 million for the first time outside the traditional high season
In the second quarter of 2025, the tourism sector recorded 3,024,347 people in employment — a 2% increase compared with the same period in 2024 — marking the first time that tourism employment has surpassed the 3-million mark outside the months t


WTTC Unveils First Wave of Speakers for 25th Global Summit in Rome
Landmark event to bring together world leaders in Travel & Tourism.


Ice and equator: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises presents experiences in the world’s most remote places
From the icy expanses of the Northwest Passage to the sun-drenched lagoons of the South Pacific, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering extraordinary expedition routes aboard its small, highly manoeuvrable expedition ships.


Klook Launches First Multi-Market Partnership to Enhance Muslim Travel Experience
Klook and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have announced the launch of their first-ever multi-market campaign, designed to position Hong Kong as a welcoming and inclusive destination for Muslim travelers.


Shaping the future of congresses and conventions
Osvaldo Rivera's double win at LAWA 2025


The biggest beneficiary of medical tourism is the Dominican people themselves
The Dominican Republic ranks first in the Caribbean, second in Latin America, and 19th worldwide in the Medical Tourism Index.


Air Astana presents results of the second quarter and six months ended 30 June 2025
Sustained growth and proactive cost management deliver significantly improved profitability. Guidance maintained.


Thailand Takes Centre Stage as Bangkok Hosts Nas Summit 2025
Landmark content creator summit reinforces Thailand’s role in global creative tourism.


RED Goes Green: Radisson RED Oslo City Centre Opens as a Verified Net Zero Hotel
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, one of the first two hotels worldwide to achieve Verified Net Zero status.


Switching Off in Style and Silence: The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations for Digital Detox
Constant availability, packed schedules, and endless scrolling define the everyday lives of many people. Digital Detox means deliberately going offline to create space for nature, relaxation, and genuine encounters.


Qatar Airways to Begin Operations at JFK’s New Terminal One by 2026
Qatar Airways, recently named World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax for a record ninth time, has announced that it will relocate its New York operations to The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2026.


Bangkok Crowned the World’s Best City for Gen Z in Time Out’s 2025 Global Ranking
Bangkok has officially been named the world’s best city for Gen Z, topping Time Out’s first-ever global ranking dedicated to the under-30 generation.
