Bangkok: Thailand has emerged as the leading tourism community in the Asia Pacific region, securing six prestigious awards that underscore its commitment to sustainable tourism on an international scale.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the model tourism community of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its network of special tourism areas for sustainable tourism received the Asia-Pacific Tourism Award from the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA). This marks the first year that a Thai community has been honored with the PATA Grand Award 2025, a recognition that highlights Thailand’s dedication to sustainable tourism development.

The PATA Grand Award 2025 was awarded for the ‘Sustainable Cultural Heritage Preservation of the Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay Community Enterprise,’ which won in the Sustainability and Social Responsibility (SSR) category. In addition, Thailand received five PATA Gold Awards, which include: Best Climate Action Initiative (Destination) for the Carbon Neutral Community-based Tourism Prototype, and the Best Inclusion and Diversity Initiative under the Tourism for All category for the Best Community-based Tourism for All (CBT for All). The Best Youth Empowerment Initiative category also recognized the Loei Youth Saving Group / SE For Youth in Thailand.

Ms. Sasikarn stated that these accolades result from operations under the Co-Creation philosophy, which involves participation from all sectors in joint planning, implementation, and responsibility. This approach aligns with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and involves continuous monitoring and evaluation in collaboration with tourism communities and networks in special areas. The awarded tourism communities will serve as important models for expanding knowledge and elevating Thai tourism destinations to international standards, supporting high-quality tourism markets and sustainable income generation as per government policy.