Thailand Wins Big at Green Destinations Conference 2026: Three Awards and 16 Top 100 Stories

Thailand has strengthened its position as a leader in sustainable tourism after three of its destinations received Green Destinations Awards and 16 were selected for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 at the Green Destinations Global Conference 2026 in Kranj, Slovenia.

The conference ran from 27 to 29 October 2026, and the awards and Top 100 Stories list were unveiled during the gathering, according to Green Destinations and the Thai Department of Tourism. The Thai delegation was led by Deputy Director-General Worateera Suwannasorn and Tourist Attraction Development Division Director Athuek Prasenmoon, on assignment from Director-General Jaturon Phakdeewanit.

Three destinations receive awards

The three destinations receiving Green Destinations Awards were Koh Tao in Surat Thani, Mae Puem National Park in Phayao, and Uthai Thani Old Town in Uthai Thani. The awards recognise destinations that have shown significant progress in sustainability management.

Koh Tao, a small island known for its coral reefs and diving, also appears among the Top 100 Stories selections, underlining how a popular island destination can combine visitor appeal with conservation work.

Sixteen stories in the Top 100

The 16 Thai destinations selected for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 span islands, national parks, old towns and living communities across the country. Nine were supported by the Department of Tourism: Mae Hong Son City, Ban Chiang in Udon Thani, Bang Rong-Pa Khlok in Phuket, Khun Khan National Park and Mae Wang National Park in Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Phetchaburi Old Town, Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan, and Takua Pa Old Town in Phang Nga.

Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai was co-supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, while six destinations were co-supported by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration: Chiang Khan in Loei, Nan Living Old City, Mueang Kao Sukhothai, U Thong Ancient City in Suphan Buri, and the Ban Amphur and Takhian Tia communities in Chon Buri.

The Top 100 Stories programme highlights good-practice stories from destinations around the world. Green Destinations says its 2026 awards ceremony in Kranj celebrated destinations from 17 countries, and the Top 100 list was unveiled at the same conference.

Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030

Thailand presented its progress under the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, which aims to turn sustainability goals into action at the local level. According to the Department of Tourism, the plan draws on a network of more than 50 partners from government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations, as well as international partners including Travelife for Tour Operators and Green Destinations.

Progress reported at the conference included 45 Master Coaches and 344 Green Coaches trained, 214 participants in the Thailand Good Travel reporting system and process, and 34 recipients of the Thailand Good Travel Mark. The initiative also supported destinations entering the Top 100 Stories selection and tourism businesses and communities entering the Good Travel Stories Competition 2026, with 31 entries across the two programmes.

In her address, Ms Suwannasorn outlined Thailand’s direction for tourism towards 2030: raising quality and standards, promoting environmental and social responsibility, and strengthening the country’s position in global tourism.

What this means for green travel

For travellers, the recognitions offer a practical guide: destinations on the list have documented work on protecting nature and culture while creating value for local communities. For the tourism industry, the Thai example shows a model built on coaching, local reporting and recognised standards rather than on slogans alone.

The Department of Tourism says it will continue international cooperation to build the capacity of Thai tourism businesses and destinations, exchange good practices, and support tourism that creates value for communities while protecting nature and culture. More climate and environment stories from Watan News can be found on the Watan News home page.

Key facts

• Event: Green Destinations Global Conference 2026, Kranj, Slovenia, 27–29 October 2026
• Awards: 3 Thai destinations — Koh Tao, Mae Puem National Park, Uthai Thani Old Town
• Top 100 Stories 2026: 16 Thai destinations selected
• Plan: Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, with more than 50 partners
• Progress: 45 Master Coaches, 344 Green Coaches, 34 Thailand Good Travel Mark recipients

Frequently asked questions

What is the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list?

It is an annual selection of good-practice stories from destinations around the world, highlighting inspiring work in sustainable tourism development. The 2026 list was unveiled at the Green Destinations Global Conference in Kranj, Slovenia.

Which Thai destinations won Green Destinations Awards?

Koh Tao in Surat Thani, Mae Puem National Park in Phayao, and Uthai Thani Old Town in Uthai Thani received Green Destinations Awards in 2026.

What is the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030?

It is Thailand’s plan to turn sustainability goals into action at the local level, raising quality and standards and promoting environmental and social responsibility in tourism, with a network of more than 50 partners.

Why does green travel recognition matter for visitors?

Recognition based on documented practice helps travellers choose destinations that protect nature and culture and share tourism benefits with local communities, rather than relying on marketing claims alone.

What happens next for Thai sustainable tourism?

According to the Department of Tourism, Thailand will continue international cooperation, capacity building for tourism businesses and destinations, and the exchange of good practices, with tourism growth focused on quality and environmental care.