Phuket Emerges as a Sustainability Powerhouse in Thailand’s Tourism Transformation
Phuket is rapidly redefining itself as Thailand’s model for sustainable tourism, thanks to a growing alliance of eco-conscious hotel operators and strategic financial backing from Siam Commercial Bank (SCB). As the country repositions its hospitality sector around climate goals, Phuket’s evolution offers a blueprint for other Thai regions looking to balance tourism growth with environmental protection.
With the support of sustainable financing tools and government-driven certification programs, Phuket is attracting a new generation of travelers—those who prioritize responsible tourism, low-impact stays, and climate-conscious accommodations.
Green Finance Drives Eco-Innovation in Hospitality
Sustainable finance is playing a transformative role in Phuket’s green transition. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), one of Thailand’s largest financial institutions, is investing in sustainability-linked loans and green bonds to help hotels adopt low-carbon operations. SCB’s hotel portfolio in Phuket is valued at around 20 billion baht, empowering resorts to upgrade energy infrastructure, install solar panels, and pursue globally recognized certifications such as LEED and EDGE.
Since 2023, SCB has issued 180 billion baht in green finance, with 80 billion baht directed at the tourism sector. This figure exceeds the bank’s original three-year sustainability target, reflecting soaring demand for environmentally aligned capital across Thailand.
As part of a national strategy led by the Department of Climate Change and Environment, 600 hotels in Phuket are expected to achieve Green Hotel Plus certification by 2026—positioning the island as a testing ground for scalable, climate-smart hospitality.
Local Hotel Groups Lead with Sustainable Design and Impact
Phuket-based hospitality brands are at the forefront of eco-tourism innovation. Kata Group Resorts, with properties across southern Thailand, has embedded sustainability into its operational philosophy—earning accolades like the Travelife Gold certification. Its flagship property, Beyond Kata, serves as a model for energy efficiency, employing passive cooling design, in-house composting, and plastic-free policies. The resort reportedly saves over 1.1 million baht monthly due to its sustainability efforts.
Meanwhile, Jee Teng Hospitality—operator of the Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort—has achieved three leaves from the Green Leaf Foundation. This globally branded property prioritizes sourcing local ingredients, energy conservation, and community engagement, all while maintaining high profitability with occupancy rates above 90% and a gross operating profit exceeding 50%.
Jee Teng’s future project, the Sheraton Phuket Nai Harn Beach Resort and Spa, is set to launch in 2028 with EDGE green building certification, becoming a pilot site under SCB’s sustainable tourism program.
Government and Public Sector Support Accelerate Progress
Thailand’s public sector is reinforcing this momentum through legislative support and infrastructure upgrades. The Thai government is advancing a Climate Change Act to align tourism growth with its Net Zero emissions goal by 2065. In Phuket, infrastructure investments in waste management and clean energy are critical to maintaining the island’s environmental capacity.
Phuket’s designation as a sustainable tourism pilot zone is further backed by government collaboration with organizations like the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Looking ahead, Phuket is set to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Conference in 2026, reinforcing its status as a global sustainability leader. The event will spotlight the island’s progress and promote Thailand’s broader green tourism strategy on the world stage.
Sustainable Travel Demand Reshapes Phuket’s Future
According to TAT data, Phuket welcomed over 2.4 million international tourists in the first five months of 2025—an 8% year-on-year increase. This growth aligns with global shifts in traveler behavior. More tourists now choose accommodations based on sustainability credentials, carbon offsets, and community engagement.
International studies show that over 70% of travelers prefer eco-friendly stays, and Thailand’s National Statistical Office reports rising demand for low-emission transportation and locally sourced experiences. These changes are creating strong incentives for businesses across Phuket to embrace green transformation not only as an ethical responsibility but also as a market advantage.
A Model for Thailand and Beyond
Phuket’s trajectory offers a replicable model for sustainable tourism in Asia. The island’s mix of public-private collaboration, targeted financing, and local innovation is creating a tourism ecosystem that is both resilient and regenerative.
From coral reef restoration to beach clean-up partnerships and zero-waste tourism campaigns, the island’s approach underscores that environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.
As Thailand positions itself as a top global destination for responsible travel, Phuket’s leadership in sustainability is more than a local success story—it’s a national and regional blueprint. For tourists seeking meaningful, climate-conscious experiences, Phuket represents the future of travel.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
