Thailand has reaffirmed its global leadership in sustainable tourism with the successful hosting of the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025 in Chiang Mai, which achieved official Carbon Neutral Event Self Declaration status. Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event took place from June 4–6 at the Royal Park Rajapruek and reflected Thailand’s commitment to responsible, low-impact tourism.
Through partnerships with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and organizations like Central Tham and Recycle Day, the event offset 669.84 kgCO₂eq and redirected over 1,080 kg of waste from landfills. Additionally, surplus meals were donated to local charities, amplifying its social impact. With over 13,000 business appointments, 406 buyers from 51 countries, and 117 media attendees, TTM+ 2025 not only delivered environmental benefits but also boosted international tourism trade. The event marks a defining moment for Thailand’s role in promoting eco-conscious travel across Southeast Asia.
Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2025 Achieves Carbon Neutrality, Elevates Chiang Mai as Sustainable Tourism Model
Chiang Mai, Thailand — In a groundbreaking move underscoring its commitment to sustainability, Thailand has officially declared its annual travel trade event, Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025, a Carbon Neutral Event. Held from June 4 to 6 at the stunning Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai, the event has set a new benchmark in eco-conscious tourism practices, reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to lead Asia’s shift toward sustainable travel.
The announcement was made by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which organized TTM+ 2025 as part of its broader vision to promote responsible tourism. According to TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the event is more than just a business platform — it is a living example of tourism that respects the environment and uplifts local communities.
“Sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do at TAT,” Ms. Thapanee emphasized. “TTM+ is a reflection of our mission to create tourism experiences that are not only economically viable but also environmentally sound and socially inclusive.”
Decarbonizing Tourism Events: How Thailand Made It Happen
In partnership with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), carbon emissions generated at Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2025 were meticulously monitored and calculated. The result was a total carbon footprint of 669.84 kgCO₂eq — emissions that were entirely offset using the Carbon Knox Declaration platform. This made TTM+ 2025 one of the first tourism trade events in Southeast Asia to earn the Carbon Neutral Event Self Declaration designation.
The Royal Park Rajapruek, known for its eco-friendly design and biodiversity, provided an ideal setting. The TAT and its sustainability partners also focused on reducing waste through a sorting and recycling initiative that successfully diverted over 1,080 kilograms of waste from local landfills. The breakdown includes:
- 555 kg of general waste
- 425 kg of food scraps
- 100.63 kg of recyclable materials (PET plastics, paper, etc.)
Strategic Waste Management and Community Support
TAT’s collaboration with organizations like Central Tham and Recycle Day was instrumental in executing the event’s sustainability blueprint. Organic waste collected during the event was sent to Chiang Mai University to be converted into biogas, thereby reducing methane emissions from landfills. Meanwhile, recyclable materials were dispatched to authorized processing centers for responsible handling.
But perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of TTM+ 2025 was its commitment to food equity. Surplus meals from the event, which remained untouched and safe for consumption, were packaged into 300 food and water kits. These were distributed to two local institutions — Wat Don Chan Orphanage and the Northern School for the Blind in Chiang Mai — delivering both nourishment and hope.
An International Stage for Sustainable Tourism Business
Beyond its environmental achievements, TTM+ 2025 also thrived as a global tourism trade platform. Surpassing expectations, the event facilitated 13,000+ business appointments, bringing together:
- 406 international buyers from 51 countries
- 450 Thai tourism sellers
- 117 media representatives
The strong turnout and active participation underscore Thailand’s ongoing appeal to global tourism stakeholders — and now, with an added layer of environmental integrity.
Thailand’s Roadmap to Green Tourism
The success of TTM+ 2025 aligns with Thailand’s broader Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, which the government has promoted to create a sustainable and inclusive tourism ecosystem. The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims to ensure that every travel experience in the country contributes positively to the planet and people alike.
This year’s edition of TTM+ will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment where environmental responsibility and tourism business excellence intersected. TAT is already planning to extend these sustainability measures to future events, aiming for a Net Zero Carbon designation in the coming years.
Conclusion: Setting a Standard for Asia’s Tourism Future
By declaring Thailand Travel Mart Plus2025 a Carbon Neutral Event, Thailand has taken a bold and actionable step toward greener travel practices. From the lush gardens of Chiang Mai to the global tourism arena, the message is clear: sustainable tourism is not just possible — it’s happening now.
As Thailand continues to balance economic recovery with climate-conscious growth, its leadership in responsible tourism could well serve as a template for the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond.
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