Thailand's Tourism Tactics: Registration Push & EU Carbon Strategy

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Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is embarking on a crucial mission to get all unregistered hotels properly documented within a year. This initiative aims to confront the EU's incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will start in 2026. The CBAM introduces rigorous environmental standards that could affect Thailand's tourism unless service providers adhere to these benchmarks.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasises the urgency in raising awareness among small and often illegal service providers about sustainable practices. Failure to comply with CBAM standards could subject operators to higher tariffs, risking Thailand's competitive edge in global tourism.

 

To tackle this, the ministry is drafting new regulations to integrate these operators into the official system, aided by a special committee for oversight. Sorawong believes that legal registration would entice operators with the promise of government assistance during unforeseen events. Additionally, it addresses tourists’ wariness towards unregistered accommodation.

 

Parallelly, Thailand is positioning itself to host a significant trade event like the World Travel Market (WTM) Asia. Efforts include participation in WTM London 2024, where Thailand’s pavilion garnered an award, boosting its credibility as a top destination. This endeavour could take about two years, but if successful, it would cement Thailand's status in the global tourism landscape.

 

Such initiatives align with Thailand's target of welcoming 40 million foreign tourists by 2025, generating substantial economic benefit. The integration and sustainable shift of its tourist sector, alongside global engagement, are seen as pathways to reinforcing Thailand's tourism stronghold.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-08