KTC stimulates the trend of sustainable tourism from Thailand to the world stage.

Bangkok, KTC opens a forum. 'KTC stimulates the trend of sustainable tourism from Thailand to the world stage' recommends that the government sector find incentives for airlines. Switch to bio-jet fuel to achieve the Net Zero goal, while local authorities move forward to create sustainable tourism covering the economy, society, and environment. along with promoting the Switzerland tourism model as an example of using resources wisely Mr. Yongyut Luchintanon, Regional Manager for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, International Air Transportation Association (lATA: International Air Transportation Association), spoke at the forum. 'KTC raises the trend for sustainable tourism from Thailand to the world stage' that IATA is working with all airlines to develop sustainable aviation businesses to achieve the goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to zero ( Net Zero) around the world by 2050. The Net Zero goal is absolutely necessary to control global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. A t present, the aviation industry has seen the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). or SAF, but changing to SAF will cost airlines 2 - 5 times more. Therefore, if the government can certify new aircraft and engines to be able to use 100% SAF and consider using special incentives to support SAF can be used in the aviation industry. This may result in all airlines switching to SAF more conveniently and quickly without much impact on costs. Ms. Kerry Lui, Country Manager for Thailand and Myanmar Cathay Pacific Airways said: Leading in sustainability has always been at the heart of Cathay's mission as the brand aims to move people forward in life. We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment. and pioneer to create more sustainable changes in the aviation industry We are taking a variety of approaches to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, reach our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and contribute to low carbon mobility. There are important projects such as a carbon offset project carried out by calculating carbon emissions (Fly Greener) / a project to increase aircraft efficiency and work to reduce carbon emissions (Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel) / the use of pillowcases and duvets. Made from 100% sustainable cotton in business class, the use of blankets made from recycled plastic bottles and carpets from recycled nylon waste material. Reducing the use of single-use plastics in the economy class cabin. In 2022, the airline was able to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 56% per passenger and will continue to take action to achieve this. Further sustainability goals in 2024 Cathay Pacific Airways has taken steps to support local communities in restoring natural habitats. as well as dealing with climate change problems. By the airline More than 21,000 trees have been planted in mangrove forests in Southeast Asia since 2021. And in 2024, Cathay Pacific Airways in Thailand will join with KTC to plant trees in mangrove forests in Samut Prakan Province. Q uantity: 4,000 trees Dr. Wassana Phongsapan, Director of the Corporate Communications Office Special Area Development Administration for Sustainable Tourism (Public Organization) said that DASTA operates according to government policy to develop tourism to increase income and distribute income to local communities. Its duty is to set policies and strategic plans for the development of special areas. By integrating and collaborating with all sectors to develop tourist attractions to be sustainable. There is a balance in 3 dimensions: "economy, society, and environment" under the Co-creation and Co-own participatory process. Currently, there are 9 special areas. that have already been announced, which DASTA has adopted criteria according to international standards as a tool for developing sustainable tourism and producing concrete results, including: 1) Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) used to develop and upgrade tourism resources Travel in special areas 5 have received the Green Destinations Top 10 0 Stories award. 2) 4 cities have joined in driving the city to become a UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 3 ) Promote management standards. Sustainable tourism (STMS) has been given to 86 local government organizations. 4) Criteria for community tourism development (Community-Based Tourism or CBT Thailand) has developed and increased the potential of the CBT community into the development and marketing process. Including creative tourism tools (Creative Tourism) continuously and in 2024, the goal is to generate income for communities in special areas of not less than 60 million baht. Miss Suwimon Ngamsriwirot Director of Sales of Serenata Hotels and Resorts Group and representative of TEATA Association, Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Association (TAT), said that at present the travel trend of tourists around the world is starting to look for environmental tourism. and more sustainable Operators and tour companies that serve foreign tourists (Inboun d Tour), more than 50% of the Western tourist market, will have their accommodations assessed for morality / social community / safety and environmental friendliness before signing a lead contract. Tourist stays reflect that tourists want to create a good travel experience by emphasizing low carbon tourism activities (Low Carbon) and net zero carbon (Carbon Neutrality). For hotels under the Serenata Hotels and Resorts Group, they have been considered a model for sustainable tourism since 1976 by collaborating with government and private agencies to support and promote sustainable tourism, such as jointly establishing an association. Thai Eco-Tourism and Adventure (TISTR) / joins in the TEATA project 'Travel to Thailand without carbon 50 routes' (Eco Friendly - Low Carbon) / joins the Stay Green Stay with SERENATA project, offering discounts for members who like to travel in color. Green (Green Tourism) in collaboration with KTC World Travel Service Miss Thanchanok Nuammano, Representative from Thailand Swit zerland Tourism said that Switzerland Tourism has developed a strategy and cultivated the Swiss Tenable concept. (Swisstainable) since 2019 to create tourism experiences that are socially and environmentally sustainable, with the goal of making Switzerland the most sustainable tourist destination in the world and a destination for travelers that will have a positive impact on the economy. of Switzerland and also develops the local economy. For Switzerland's sustainability strategy (Swisstainable Strategy), Tourism Switzerland has invited a group of tourism operators in Switzerland, including the transportation sector / industrial sector / hotel accommodation / restaurants and places. Various tourist attractions Join the campaign All organizations are approved to use the Swiss Tenable symbol. (Swisstainable) according to the level of commitment of each organization. In the past year 2023, a total of 2,500 organizations in the Swiss tourism industry participated and the goal is to have up to 4,000 organizations participate by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, tourists traveling to Switzerland can participate in promoting sustainable tourism, such as consuming the products. Local produce made in Switzerland / Experience the true nature of Switzerland with its mountains and lakes / Choose an electric vehicle for sightseeing and stay longer or stay longer (Stay Longer) to immerse yourself in nature and enhance your local experience in Switzerland. And the country will maintain its tourism traditions so that tourists will choose Switzerland as a future destination in line with its mission. 'Our Nature Energizes You.' Mr. Ours Kessler, CEO of the Jungfrau Railway Switzerland said that nowadays the behavior of tourists around the world are starting to look for more sustainable tourism. The Jungfrau Railway Group has therefore developed a tourism model that meets these needs and shows that economic growth through tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand. In this regard, strategies for the sustainable use of ecological re sources have been established, such as Using trains and cable cars that use 100% renewable energy. In addition, a 10-year sustainability fund is being prepared to care for the village of Grindelwald. (Grindelwald) and the village of Lauterbrunnen (Lauterbrunnen), Bern, Switzerland. And there are plans to build a 12-hectare solar system in the Alps. The goal is to produce 12 kilowatt-hours of energy per year to supply power to 3,000 households during the winter months, when electricity prices are most expensive because demand is highest. Miss Phatthira Anant Chotipat, executive of KTC World Travel Service and airline marketing, "KTC" or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, revealed that KTC World Travel Service, the agency that takes care of and provides travel services to card members. KTC credit Strategies have been put in place to stimulate and promote tourism in a responsible, economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner as follows: Raising awareness among tourists about cultural, loc al, natural and community tourism experiences. Through KTC's various public relations channels to recommend community tourist attractions, shops, and local restaurants. Souvenir shops and community accommodations for members to have more convenient access to tourist attraction information. Creating a pilot project 'Sustainable travel with KTC WORLD' together with more than 10 travel partners both domestic and international. Select green tourism products that reflect the reduction of carbon emissions. or more public and community travel, such as train passes, tram passes, electric rental cars (EVs), and community tourism packages For every spending amount via KTC credit card with the Green Products product group from 10,000 baht or more, members will receive 1,000 special KTC FOREVER points starting from March 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Participation with partners creates benefits and returns benefits to tourism resources and the environment, such as joining forces with Cathay Pacific Airways under the pr oject "Fly 1 trip, plant 1 tree" (1 Ticket 1 Tree) in Develop sustainability through planting mangrove trees in mangrove areas. When booking every 1 ticket with Cathay Pacific through KTC World Travel Service, KTC will help join in planting 1 additional tree throughout the year 2024. Source: Thai News Agency