Phuket on the move: Sustainable tourism for a greener future!

Phuket on the move: Sustainable tourism for a greener future!

As the tourism industry rebounds post-pandemic, Phuket shows that sustainable tourism is not only a necessity but also an opportunity. Tourism operators on the island are rethinking their resource conservation strategies and implementing new initiatives to minimize environmental impact. According to the UN Tourism Organization, the circular economy model is a key approach to reducing the negative impacts of the tourism sector. Many travelers are increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their travel, putting pressure on companies to adopt responsible practices. This is also highlighted by the CE360 Alliance report, which describes the role of the travel and tourism sector in the transition to a circular economy, as noted by Bangkokpost.

As part of these developments, the Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism conference was recently held, where over 1,300 participants discussed sustainable development. Despite the positive progress, Peter Norman, a procurement specialist, criticized that many operators still prefer the cheapest products rather than relying on sustainable options. A key aspect is localization, which is why some hotels source organic eggs directly from local farmers in Phuket and offer locally produced mineral water. These practices are not only in harmony with the environment, but also strengthen the local economy.

Green initiatives and sense of responsibility

The Thai government has now established itself as a pioneer for sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia and promotes it through various national policies. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plays a critical role by implementing initiatives that both reduce pollution and promote support for local communities. This includes the “7 Greens” initiative, which promotes responsible tourism through seven pillars: from green attractions to green logistics to green communities and activities, as green.org highlights.

A good example of sustainable practices is the Food Before Waste project in Phuket, which aims to put surplus food to good use. Additionally, eco-friendly accommodations that implement sustainable practices are becoming increasingly popular. They are not only committed to environmental protection, but also contribute to reforestation and the protection of wildlife. Phuket has an increasing number of such hotels, attracting eco-conscious travelers.

A look forward

In early 2026, Phuket will host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council conference, further highlighting the island's sustainable tourism efforts. Many hotels are already working to achieve at least green certification to meet the new requirements. This is also reflected in the membership of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), which has over 1,000 members, of which 116 have been awarded the “Green Hotel” certificate and 176 have been awarded the “Green Leaf” certificate, as [thai-now.net](https://thai-now.net/thailand/tourismus/nachhalter-tourismus-thailands-weg-zu-gruenem- Growth-2025) reports.

It is clear that Thailand is not only a paradise for tourists, but also a model of sustainable tourism that focuses on the preservation of nature and culture. As a traveler in Phuket you have the opportunity to travel environmentally consciously and support local communities. The increasing international demand for sustainable offers shows that the time for conscious tourism has come. “Small but mighty” – this applies to the initiatives that sustainably connect home and the environment.