Thailand’s Tourism Transformation: Could a Climate-Focused Fee Put the Kingdom Front and Center?
A quiet revolution is reshaping travel economics. As climate shocks intensify, destinations are testing small fees to fund environmental protection and resilience. Thailand stands at a crossroads: embrace a climate-focused tourism model or risk hollowing out its tourism crown.
The Maui wildfires and European floods highlighted a growing trend: countries are introducing dedicated fees to fund climate adaptation. Starting in 2026, Hawaii plans a 0.75% Green Fee on hotel stays, with proceeds channeled toward environmental protection and resilience. For visitors, that amounts to roughly 100 baht on a typical 3,000-baht room night. Beyond Hawaii, the trend is spreading to other popular destinations.