Sustainable future: SCB brings hotels in Thailand on climate change course!

Sustainable future: SCB brings hotels in Thailand on climate change course!

A green wave is rolling through Phuket! In an exciting initiative, the Thai Commercial Bank (SCB) is cooperating with the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) and other partners. The aim is to bring hotels in southern Thailand to the Green Hotel Plus certification to prepare. This certification is intended not only to increase sustainability standards, but also to boost sustainable tourism in the region.

To achieve this, SCB is organizing a workshop entitled “Preparing for Green Hotel Plus Certification”. Over 100 participants from more than 47 hotels in Phuket are expected to exchange experiences and learn from already certified companies. This initiative aims to prepare the Thai hotel industry for global sustainable tourism standards, particularly in view of the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026, also taking place in Phuket.

Sustainability in focus

SCB, which has a loan book of more than 130 billion baht for the hotel industry, has a clear focus on Phuket and the Andaman region. Their goal is to align the entire hotel portfolio with sustainability, including efficient energy use and thoughtful waste management. The training includes not only workshops, but also expert lectures on the criteria and their implementation.

The Green Hotel Plus standards, developed by DCCE, are based on four pillars of sustainability: governance, social and economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environment. These standards were recently recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which confirmed that they meet the GSTC criteria for the tourism industry.

A step into the future

It's not just the hotel operators themselves who benefit from this initiative. Customers also benefit from the increasing awareness of sustainable travel options. According to a survey by Booking.com, 84% of travelers worldwide value sustainable alternatives. SCB also offers special benefits for workshop participants, including discounts on training fees and tailored loan products to support sustainable investments.

For the DCCE, this development is the next logical step towards a carbon-neutral future. The Green Hotel project has been running for over 10 years and includes bronze, silver and gold awards to promote sustainable practices. It is a strong sign that 800 hotels in Thailand have the opportunity to move from national to international best practices.

At a time when environmental pressure is increasing and the demand for sustainable solutions is growing, Thailand and its hotels are taking a big step forward. The Green Hotel Plus certification could not only revolutionize standards in Thailand, but also set a new trend in international tourism.

For a deeper insight into the certification standards, institutions such as: GreenSign, the leading sustainability certification in Europe, relies on comprehensive assessment methods. These standards include over 100 criteria in various core areas and ensure that sustainability in the hotel industry is constantly improved.

Stay tuned, because Phuket could soon be popular not only for its beaches, but also for its green hotels!