#Ecotourism

As sustainable tourism grows more popular worldwide, many Thai travellers are asking the same pressing question as jet-setters across the globe: how can we make sure our trips genuinely help the planet and local people, rather than just succumbing to “greenwashing” marketing? The latest research published on The Conversation (July 18, 2025) reveals that while terms such as “eco”, “sustainable”, and “green” are splashed liberally throughout holiday brochures, more than half of these green claims are vague, misleading or unproven – and nearly as many certification labels lack meaningful verification (The Conversation). This growing confusion highlights the urgent need for Thai tourists to look past superficial eco-labels and make smarter, more responsible choices when booking domestic or overseas holidays.

Koh Chang is emerging as a noteworthy destination for Thai and international travelers who seek a nature-forward escape. The island’s appeal centers on rainforests, pristine beaches, and a relaxed pace that resonates with Thai hospitality and communal spirit.

Located off Trat province in eastern Thailand, Koh Chang ranks among the country’s larger islands. Data from Thailand’s Tourism Authority shows a steady rise in visitors in recent years, with 2024 marking a strong rebound after the pandemic. The growth mirrors a shift toward slower, nature-rich experiences in a post-pandemic world, while underscoring the need to protect local culture, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

Sustainable travel is on the rise, but Thai travelers are asking how to ensure trips truly benefit people and the planet. A July 2025 Conversation piece shows many eco-claims in brochures are vague and some certifications lack verification. This creates confusion for domestic getaways and international trips alike.

Greenwashing is not limited to the West. Thai travelers planning a beach holiday in Ko Samui, a hill trek in Chiang Rai, or a family trip to Japan and Europe may encounter similar pitfalls. Post-pandemic tourism rebounds in Thailand have been supported by sustainability campaigns from airlines, hotels, and tour operators. Yet research highlights that more than half of so-called green claims are unsubstantiated or misleading. Data from EU sustainability studies echo this warning, underscoring the risk that credible eco-initiatives are crowded out by marketing.

After decades of isolation due to war and political upheaval, Angola’s pristine natural wonders—largely untouched by mass tourism—are now stepping into the global spotlight. CNN Travel’s recent in-depth feature reveals how this vast southern African nation is opening its doors to travellers, offering a spectacular array of landscapes and cultural heritage that, until recently, few outsiders had witnessed firsthand (CNN Travel).

Angola, double the size of Texas, boasts a wealth of dramatic scenery, from dazzling Atlantic beaches and mysterious lunar-like rock formations to expansive national parks. The country has begun investing in tourism infrastructure, with new roads, accommodations, and tour operators enabling safer and easier access to its remote interior. For Thai travellers—already seasoned in exploring Southeast Asia’s wonders—the emergence of Angola as a fresh destination offers not only geographical diversity but also a fascinating case study of how a nation recovers, rewilds, and reimagines itself for a sustainable tourist future.

Angola is stepping into the international spotlight as its pristine landscapes emerge from decades of conflict. A recent CNN Travel feature showcases a country ready to welcome visitors with dramatic coastlines, lunar-like rock formations, and expansive national parks that have long been off the beaten path.

Covering about the size of Texas, Angola is investing in tourism infrastructure—from safer roads to mid-range lodges and local tour operators—making remote interiors accessible for curious explorers. For Thai travelers, seasoned in Southeast Asia’s wonders, Angola offers a fresh blend of natural variety and a compelling story of recovery, rewilding, and sustainable development.

A surge in global tourism to Antarctica, the earth’s last great wilderness, has alarmed environmental researchers as nearly 125,000 travelers set foot or sailed its icy waters in the 2023–24 season—a leap from less than 8,000 annual visitors thirty years ago. New research warns that unless robust protective measures are enforced, Antarctica’s unique and fragile ecosystems risk irreversible damage from this increasing human presence (The Conversation).

This sharp rise in Antarctic tourism matters to Thai readers not only for environmental reasons but also because it mirrors the worldwide boom in “extreme” travel and eco-tourism, trends growing among Thai travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai travel agencies begin advertising Antarctic cruises and expeditions, understanding the environmental price of such adventures has never been more important.

Global interest in Antarctica has surged, with about 125,000 visitors in the 2023–24 season up from under 8,000 three decades earlier. Researchers warn that without stronger protections, fragile ecosystems could suffer irreversible damage. Environmental and polar experts emphasize robust, enforceable safeguards to manage growing human activity.

For Thai readers, the issue resonates beyond conservation. It mirrors a worldwide boom in extreme and eco-friendly travel, trends that attract Thai adventurers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai agencies introduce Antarctic cruise options, it’s essential to understand the environmental costs.

A growing global trend points to travelers longing to unplug from relentless digital interruptions, political turmoil, and everyday drama. According to a recent Booking.com survey, more than half of global travelers—56 percent—are now seeking “off the beaten path” getaways, opting for seclusion and tranquility over crowds and connectivity, as recently reported by The New York Times (nytimes.com). From wood-fired hot tubs on the glacial shores of Lake Superior to starlit beds on remote Swedish islands, new research and industry reports reveal how a desire for peace, personal reconnection, and even a touch of adventure are driving the boom in “off-the-grid” resorts worldwide.

A global surge in digital detox travel is reshaping how people vacation. A recent Booking.com survey shows 56% of travelers now prefer off-the-beaten-path getaways that prioritize seclusion and tranquility over crowded, highly connected destinations. From wood-fired hot tubs beside remote lakes to starlit beds on secluded islands, the trend signals a desire for personal renewal, lighter screens, and gentle adventure.

The shift resonates strongly with Thai readers who face rising digital overload and urban stress. Thailand’s tourism sector is exploring unplugged experiences that align with the country’s deep respect for nature and traditional healing practices found in places like Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi. Local operators are reimagining offerings to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking nature-based wellness.

A new perspective on African safaris shows that value and wildlife abundance peak outside the traditional dry season. For Thai travelers, the Emerald Season (March–April) and the Amber Season (November) deliver lush landscapes, thriving wildlife, and far fewer crowds, with the rainy-season transition adding dramatic scenery.

Modern flight routes make Africa more accessible for Thai holiday calendars. A veteran safari advisor with three decades of experience notes that off-peak periods often outperform peak season for photography, wildlife encounters, and overall serenity. The Emerald Season sees land turn green after rains, wildflowers bloom, and migratory birds arrive from the north. With calmer roads and fewer vehicles, observers can notice subtle animal behaviors and capture moody skies and vibrant backdrops.

For many travelers, the iconic African safari conjures images of thundering wildebeest, golden savannas, and up-close encounters with elephants and lions. Over the years, the high season—those dry, chilly months from June through October—has become synonymous with classic safari experiences. However, recent insights from a leading travel advisor specializing in African adventures suggest that the best time for an unforgettable safari might be during the lesser-known “secret seasons,” offering both spectacular sights and significant cost savings (Travel + Leisure).

A recent feature by the Times of India has spotlighted the top seven most beautiful beaches across Asia, reigniting interest among Thai and international travelers for coastal destinations beyond the familiar. The article presents a diverse list, including Thailand’s renowned Maya Bay, alongside wonders from Myanmar, South Korea, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This overview comes as travel patterns shift post-pandemic, with Thais showing increased curiosity towards both domestic gems and nearby international shores, propelled by greater air connectivity and relaxed border measures (Times of India).

A wave of fresh travel features spotlights seven remarkable Asian beaches that redefine coastal escapes for Thai readers. From Myanmar’s powdery shores to Indonesia’s coral-hued sands, these destinations offer new frontiers for travelers seeking beyond the familiar.

Maya Bay in Thailand anchors the list, joined by stunning coastlines in six neighboring nations. Thailand’s tourism scene is experiencing a renaissance as domestic travelers venture overseas and rediscover hidden gems at home through improved regional links and smoother border processes.

Mongolia is rising on travellers’ lists as a destination of vast grasslands, nomadic traditions, and pristine nature. Travel advisers cited by a recent business and travel feature note that Mongolia offers a rare offbeat experience for those eager to immerse themselves in authentic culture and dramatic landscapes. The appeal is especially strong for Thai travelers seeking meaningful, sustainable travel.

Historically overlooked next to its more popular neighbors, Mongolia now earns praise from international tour operators as a unique destination. The country, known as The Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, boasts hundreds of sunny days each year, sweeping steppes, and centuries-old nomadic life that has endured amid modern pressures. For visitors, this creates a striking contrast to crowded, fast‑changing urban hubs elsewhere in Asia.

Tourists seeking an experience beyond the ordinary are increasingly looking to Mongolia, where vast steppes, nomadic traditions, and untouched nature offer a unique journey unlike anywhere else in Asia. According to travel advisers highlighted in a recent Business Insider article, Mongolia’s tourism is gaining attention as a rare destination for those eager to wander off the beaten path and engage deeply with authentic local culture and dramatic landscapes. This trend holds special appeal for adventurous Thai travellers and those in search of meaningful, sustainable tourism.

Eco-tourism is emerging as a critical ally in the fight to save endangered sea turtles in the Florida Keys, turning tourist curiosity and compassion into vital support for veterinary care and conservation. At the famed Turtle Hospital in Marathon, veterinarians face mounting financial pressures, yet visitor engagement is proving key to their continued success in saving countless marine lives. This model, blending wildlife education and tourism, holds profound lessons for conservation initiatives in Thailand and around the world.

Eco-tourism is proving to be a vital ally in saving endangered sea turtles, turning tourist curiosity into essential support for veterinary care and conservation. At the Florida Keys’ Turtle Hospital in Marathon, veterinarians grapple with budget pressures, yet visitor engagement funds crucial medical treatments and recovery efforts. This blend of wildlife education and tourism offers lessons relevant to Thailand’s coastal communities and global conservation efforts.

Over four decades, the Turtle Hospital has treated thousands of injured sea turtles. Common injuries include boat strikes, entanglement in plastic debris, and damage from fishing gear, all intensified by climate change. The hospital currently cares for a turtle that lost half a flipper and vision in one eye after a predator encounter and multiple injuries—an emblem of the dangers sea turtles face and their capacity for resilience with proper care. Yet, the facility faces ongoing financial strain, underscoring the need for sustainable funding streams.

A new international study questions two decades of climate pledges in tourism, showing the sector’s progress toward reducing emissions has been limited. Conducted by researchers at Linnaeus University in Sweden and the University of Waterloo in Canada, the analysis reviews major climate declarations since 2003 by governments and tourism bodies. Although commitments are plentiful, concrete emissions cuts remain elusive. For Thailand, a top global travel destination, the findings carry urgent implications as the sector drives growth while facing growing demands for environmental responsibility.

A landmark international study has found that despite twenty years of climate pledges, the global tourism industry has made scant progress towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, calling into question the sector’s commitment and strategies for climate action. The research, carried out by teams at Sweden’s Linnaeus University and Canada’s University of Waterloo, analyzes the effectiveness of climate declarations from leading tourism organizations and governments since 2003. The findings reveal that while climate commitments abound, meaningful results—especially in terms of emissions reductions—remain elusive, raising urgent concerns for countries like Thailand where tourism is a national economic pillar and environmental sustainability is increasingly central to policy and public debate (Skift).