Mr. Yongyut Lujintanon, Area Manager, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated at the "Responsible Roam Forum: Charting the Future of Tourism" that IATA collaborates with all airlines to foster a sustainable aviation industry, aiming to achieve the global goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The urgency of achieving net zero is emphasized by the crucial necessity to prevent a global temperature rise exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius. Currently, the aviation sector recognizes the significance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Nevertheless, transitioning to SAF incurs additional expenses for airlines, with costs increasing by 2 to 5 times. To expedite the adoption of SAF, it would be beneficial if the government could certify new aircraft and engines as 100% SAF capable. Additionally, providing special incentives to support the use of SAF in the aviation sector could facilitate a smoother and faster transition for all airlines, minimizing the impact on costs.
Ms. Keri Lui, Country Manager Thailand and Myanmar, Cathay Pacific Airways, stated that leading in sustainability has consistently been the core of Cathay's values, driven by its brand purpose to move people forward in life and minimizing its environmental footprint and pioneering initiatives to create lasting, sustainable changes within the aviation industry. Various strategies are being employed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, with the ultimate aim of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and actively contributing to low carbon mobility. Key projects include: the "Fly Greener" initiative, which calculates and offsets carbon emissions / Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel project, which enhances aircraft efficiency and minimizing carbon emissions, use of pillowcases and duvet covers made from 100% sustainable cotton in business class, and blankets crafted from recycled plastic bottles and carpets made from recycled nylon waste along with reducing the use of single-use plastics in economy class. The airline has achieved a 56% reduction in single-use plastic per passenger by 2022, and will continue to take action to achieve sustainability goals in 2024.
Additionally, Cathay Pacific Airlines has initiated the "1 Ticket 1 Tree" project, to support local communities, restore natural habitats, and address climate change challenges. The airline has successfully planted over 21,000 trees in mangrove forests across Southeast Asia since 2021. In 2024, Cathay Pacific in Thailand will partner with KTC to further enhance sustainability through a project to plant 4,000 mangrove trees in Samut Prakan.
Dr. Wassana Pongsapan, Director of Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) stated that DASTA operates in alignment with government policies to develop tourism to boost income and distribute financial benefits to local communities. This is achieved through the establishment of policies and strategic plans for the development of designated special areas. DASTA is tasked with formulating policies and strategic plans for developing special areas. The approach involves integrating and collaborating with all sectors to ensure the sustainable development of tourist attractions. The emphasis is on achieving a balance across 3 dimensions: "Economy, Society, and Environment" which is accomplished through the Co-creation & Co-own participatory process. Currently, there are 9 announced special areas for which DASTA has established criteria based on international standards, serving as a tool for sustainable tourism development and creating tangible outcomes:
- Using the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) to elevate tourist attractions in special areas, resulting in 5 that have secured a position among the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories
2. Steered 4 cities towards the UNESCO Creative City (UCCN) status, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Advocating for sustainable tourism management standards tailored for over 86 local administrative organizations
- Consistently using the Community-Based Tourism Development Criteria (CBT Thailand) as a framework to foster the growth and potential of tourism communities, including implementing tools specifically designed for the development of Creative Tourism. In 2024, DASTA's goal is to generate income for communities in special areas amounting to no less than 60 million baht.
Ms. Suwimol Ngamsriwiroj, Director of Sales and Marketing, Serenata Hotels & Resorts Group and representative of the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Association (TEATA), highlights the current global travel trend where tourists are increasingly seeking environmental and sustainable tourism experiences. Specifically, for operators and tour companies catering to foreign tourists (Inbound Tour), especially in the Western tourist market, over 50% of accommodations are now evaluated for moral / social and community / safety and environmental considerations before entering into contracts. This indicates a growing preference among tourists for positive travel experiences by prioritizing tourism activities that are low-carbon and carbon neutrality.
Hotels within the Serenata Hotels & Resorts Group have been recognized as a model for sustainable tourism since 1976. They actively collaborate with government and private agencies to champion and promote sustainable tourism initiatives. This includes co-founding the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Association (TCO) / actively participating in the TEATA "Travel in Thailand with 50 carbon-free routes" (Eco Friendly - Low Carbon) project / and participating in the Stay Green Stay with SERENATA project, which provides discounts for members supporting green tourism in collaboration with KTC World Travel Service.
Ms. Thanchanok Nuammano, Market Representative in Thailand, Switzerland Tourism, Embassy of Switzerland has shared that Switzerland Tourism has been actively pursuing sustainable tourism strategies and cultivating ideas under the Swisstainable initiative since 2019 to create socially and environmentally sustainable travel experiences, with the ambitious goal of positioning Switzerland as the most sustainable tourist destination globally. This approach aims to contribute positively to the Swiss economy and foster the development of local economies. Under the Swisstainable Strategy, Switzerland Tourism has taken the initiative to extend invitations to Swiss tourism stakeholders, including transport operators / industrial sectors / hotels and accommodations / restaurants and various tourist attractions. Organizations that engage in this campaign will be granted approval to display the Swisstainable symbol, reflecting their commitment level, on an annual basis. In 2023, over 2,500 organizations within the Swiss tourism industry participated in this initiative and there are plans to expand to 4,000 organizations join by the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, tourists traveling to Switzerland are encouraged to actively engage in promoting sustainable tourism practices. This includes consuming products made in Switzerland, experiencing authentic natural beauty of the country, characterized by its majestic mountains and pristine lakes, choosing electric vehicles for sightseeing, and staying longer to immerse themselves in nature and enhance their local experience in Switzerland. Switzerland aims to preserve its tourism traditions for tourists to continue to choose the country as a future destination as encapsulated in the phrase, "Our Nature Energizes You."
Mr. Urs Kessler, Chief Executive Officer, Jungfrau Railway Switzerland, stated that today, more and more tourists are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable travel choices around the world. The Jungfrau Railway Group has responded by developing a tourism model that aligns with these evolving preferences, demonstrating that economic growth in tourism and sustainability can coexist. To achieve this, strategies have been implemented to sustainably utilize ecological resources, such as utilizing trains and cable cars powered by 100% renewable energy. Furthermore, the group is actively preparing a 10-year sustainability fund aimed at supporting the well-being of the villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in Bern, Switzerland. Plans are also in place for the construction of a 12-hectare solar system in the Alps to generate 12 kilowatt-hours of energy annually, providing power to 3,000 households during winter, when electricity prices peak due to heightened demand.
Ms. Pattheera Anandchotiphatchara, Head of KTC World Travel Service and Airline Travel Marketing, "KTC" or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, revealed that KTC World Travel Service, an agency dedicated to catering to and offering travel services for KTC credit cardmembers, has implemented various strategies to encourage and promote tourism in a responsible, economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner, as outlined below:
- Increase awareness among tourists regarding cultural, local, natural, and community tourism experiences by leveraging KTC's media channels to endorse community tourist attractions, merchants, local restaurants, souvenir shops, and community accommodations, and offer members with convenient access to information.
- Launch the "Sustainable Travel with KTC WORLD" pilot project involving the collaboration with over 10 domestic and international travel partners. The focus will be on selecting green tourism products that contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions including public and community travel options such as train passes, tram passes, electric rental cars (EVs), and community tourism packages. To encourage participation, members will be rewarded with 1,000 special KTC FOREVER points for every spending amount exceeding 10,000 baht made via KTC credit card within the green products category from March 2024 to December 31, 2024.
- Engage in partnerships to create positive impact and give back to tourism resources and the environment such as the "1 Ticket 1 Tree" project in collaboration with Cathay Pacific Airways, dedicated to fostering sustainability through mangrove tree planting. For every ticket booked with Cathay Pacific Airways through KTC World Travel Service, KTC will plant an extra tree throughout 2024.
Nevertheless, KTC believes that by fostering serious collaboration among all departments, new tourism operators would be equipped to provide a diverse range of tourism products that underscore sustainability, aligning more closely with the evolving needs of tourists. This approach is expected to yield positive effects on the overall economy and ensure a more equitable distribution of income within the community which will serve as the bedrock for robust, long-term economic sustainability.
Source: Krungthai Card