Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially announced the winners of the 2025 “Responsible Thailand Award” at the “Amazing Thailand” press conference held at the ExCeL exhibition center in London during the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025. Now in its 18th year, the award aims to recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in sustainable and ethical tourism practices – committed to protecting Thailand’s people, culture, and environment, and driving positive change across the tourism industry.
I. Minister of Tourism and Sports: The Award is a “Beacon of the Future” for Sustainable Tourism
At the launch event, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Atakorn Siriratayakorn, stated, “The ‘Responsible Thailand Award’ is not only a recognition of outstanding achievements, but also a beacon of the future – it honors those who interpret the true meaning of sustainable tourism through innovation, dedication, and a sense of responsibility. This year’s winners will gain attention through the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s global outreach platform, setting an example for more practitioners.” He also thanked all the winners and nominees: “Your work proves that tourism can both improve community well-being and protect the planet, and create lasting value for future generations.”
II. Award Categories: Five Categories and Five Core Pillars
The 2025 “Responsible Thailand Award” comprises five core categories, comprehensively covering key areas of sustainable tourism:
Responsible Animal Welfare
Responsible Community Tourism
Responsible Environmental Protection
Responsible Destination Management
Responsible Tourist Accommodation
The award judging criteria are based on five core pillars, highlighting Thailand’s holistic approach to responsible tourism: best practices, forward-looking planning, tangible achievements, network engagement, and long-term commitment.
III. Jury Composition: A Multifaceted Expertise
This year's awards were hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) London Office. The jury members comprised industry authorities and professionals:
Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of the TAT London Office
Ms. Claire Ross, Chair of the Board of Directors of the DERTOUR Foundation
Mr. Christopher Lee, Marketing Manager of the TAT London Office
Mr. Roy Cavanagh, Editor of ResponsibleThailand.com
IV. Highlights of the Five Categories
1. Responsible Animal Welfare: Elephant Mountain Resort, Khao Sok National Park
Elephant Mountain Resort won the award for its outstanding commitment to ethical elephant care and is a frequent recipient of this award—winning the "Animal Welfare Award" in 2015-2016, both the "Animal Welfare Award" and the "Eco-hotel/Eco-lodge Award" in 2017, the "Eco-lodge Award" in 2018 and 2023, and the "Animal Welfare Award" again in 2024. The judges particularly recognized its independent "Global Spirit" certification, strict adherence to PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) and ABTA (British Travel Association) guidelines, and its professional veterinary program supported by Chiang Mai University, Lampang Elephant Hospital, and international experts, calling it a "benchmark for animal welfare-first elephant tourism."
2. Responsible Community Tourism: Tumlungwahn Community Enterprise, Suphan Buri Province
This is Tumlungwahn's first award in this category (previously recognized in the "Attractions" category of the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Awards). Its core strength lies in its "community-led model"—all tourism activities are designed and managed by local residents, ensuring authentic experiences for tourists and equitable income distribution.
The judges praised its efforts in circular economy practices, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and the promotion of traditional crafts, believing these initiatives "enhance local pride and drive sustainable livelihood development."
3. Responsible Environmental Protection: Bang Rong Community Tourism, Phuket
Bang Rong Community Tourism, which won an award in the "Community Tourism" category in 2024, was recognized again this year for its mangrove conservation and low-impact tourism practices. Its "low-volume, high-value" model reduces environmental pressure by limiting visitor numbers while promoting eco-friendly activities such as kayaking, hiking, and reforestation.
The judges praised it as "a model of community ecotourism, perfectly combining environmental protection, visitor education, and responsible participation."
4. Responsible Destination Management Company: Discovery Travel Khao Lak
This is the company's first time receiving this award. Its core competitiveness lies in its comprehensive sustainability practices and strong local collaboration capabilities. The judges specifically mentioned its Travelife certification, STAR awards, and active participation in the Phang Nga Tourism Association and the Sustainable Koala Network.
Furthermore, the company's environmental innovations in mangrove and coral restoration, coastal cleanup, and longtail boat hybrid conversion were also key factors in its award.
5. Responsible Tourism Accommodation: Hua Hin Chivason Hotel
Hua Hin Chivason Hotel, previously winner of the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards' "Wellness Tourism Award," has won the "Responsible Tourism Accommodation Award" for the first time this year. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, it has already achieved 13 UN Sustainable Development Goals and leads key initiatives such as "Conserving Hua Hin" and the "Kerait Niwat Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Project."
The judges praised it as "a benchmark for the integration of responsible hotel operations and wellness tourism."
V. Future Planning: The "Thailand Green Tourism 2030" Plan Leads the Industry
To continue the spirit of the awards, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and public-private sector partners, is integrating sustainable development into the entire industry through the "Thailand Green Tourism 2030" plan. This plan positions the tourism industry as a "climate action catalyst," driving the achievement of global sustainable development goals.
At the same time, Thailand has further promoted low-impact travel, community empowerment, and environmental protection through supporting initiatives such as the "Thailand Tourism Awards," the "STAR Program," and "CF Hotels," ensuring that "responsible tourism" remains at the core of the "Amazing Thailand" experience.
