CSR and market access in Thailand
Last Updated: 23rd November, 2009

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CSR and market access in Thailand By Xavier Font 23rd November, 2009

20 'integrated sustainable tourism routes' are being developed in Thailand with EU funding.

"The Office of Tourism Development is committed to developing Thailand into a sustainable tourism destination, recognized for global quality and standards. However, we recognize that sustainable tourism will only succeed when tourism stakeholders take ownership and share responsibility for raising and implementing standards.

The OTD is pleased to assist the CSR- MAP Project, lead by the Thailand Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, to continue the development of new, sustainable tourism standards, developed by and for Thai sustainable tourism suppliers.

The OTD are confident that supporting supplier groups which have declared their commitment to realizing sustainable tourism, and have begun developing their own sustainability standards, is a significant step towards realizing our goal of a sustainable tourism industry, which conserves Thailand's resources for future generations."

Dr. Seksan Nakwong, Director of the Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand

On Thursday, 12th November 2009, Dr. Seksan Nakwong, Director of the Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand signed an MOU with Mrs. Duangkamol Chansuriyawong, President of the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA),   committing financial and technical assistance to an alliance of Thai sustainable tourism supplier groups, working to develop sustainable tourism standards. Assistance will include the development of indicators, assessment tools and training materials. Thai suppliers are working together under the EU funded 'Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Access Partnerships Project' (CSR- MAP).

Samuel Cantel, First Secretary of the Delegation of the European Commission to Thailand attended the MOU signing on behalf of the EU, and complemented the OTD initiative, stating: "Corporate Social Responsibility is an excellent strategy during a time of global crisis. The CSR- MAP Project will contribute towards a profitable, sustainable tourism industry by promoting high quality sustainable tourism products to European tourists. Project partners and the OTD deserve recognition for taking this step forward."

The OTD's decision to support the Thai supplier groups was made following the National workshop to discuss SME Green Hotel, Ecotourism and Community Based Tourism standards, with the involvement of product suppliers, held in Bangkok on the 3rd and 4th November, which brought together over 50 Thai tourism suppliers, representing Ecotour operators, professional tour guides, hotels, restaurants and community-based tourism ( CBT) initiatives. Participants compared their new 'sustainable tourism standards' and considered feedback from European experts.

The results of the workshop included new drafts of each supplier's standards and a set of common principles to drive sustainable tourism into practice, based on suppliers' standards. Areas of common agreement included commitment for nature conservation, ensuring benefits to local Thai communities, and improved, sustainable management.

The Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Access Partnerships (CSR- MAP ) for Thai Sustainable Tourism Supply Chains project aims to create greater sustainability in the Thai tourism industry, and to meet demand from European visitors.

Europe, is an important source market for Thailand. In 2007, European tourists accounted for over 3,900,000 visitors to Thailand, or 27% of all arrivals. In the EU, both sustainability issues and standards are considered important.   European visitors are also increasingly searching for 'green', 'responsible' excursions.   If Thai standards can meet European expectations, it will create opportunities for Thai tourism SME's and local communities which have developed community Based Tourism ( CBT) programs.

The CSR- MAP project aims to give partners the opportunity to: learn about the European market's demand for sustainable tourism products and standards; participate fully in the development and improvement of Thai Sustainable Tourism Standards; gain recognition from European tour operators; and develop and market innovative and integrated sustainable tourism products - Thai Sustainable Tourism Routes. For a maximum buy-in by European tour operators, and the opportunity for strong Thai-EU cooperation, the new Thai sustainable tourism standards and products will be developed in close collaboration with the EU partners.

The CSR- MAP Project is being led by the Thailand Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA). Greenleaf Foundation and the European Center for Eco and Agro Tourism (ECEAT) are project partners. The Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute ( CBT-I) is providing external expertise. Associated partners include the Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Sports and Tourism, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai community representatives and EU Tour Operator federations.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is assisting the CSR- MAP, within the frame of their '7 Greens' project. During the next 6 months, project partners and their supplier groups will work to develop innovative, 'integrated sustainable tourism routes' which will offer tourists a complete 'sustainable tourism package'. The TAT will sponsor flights for 20 EU tour operators to survey the new routes and give their feedback.

This project is funded under the Thailand-EC Cooperation Facility programme.   Its objective is to strengthen and diversify the relationship between the EU and Thailand in a wide range of areas to deepen the economic, political and cultural partnerships.

The project will run for 18 months with 75% of its total budget of 236 000 Euros provided by the EU and 25% by TEATA and project partners, Green Leaf Foundation and ECEAT.