Mr. Apichai Chatjaroenkit, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing at TAT, stated that global tourist behavior is changing significantly, especially among Eco-Tourists and Transformative Travelers, who are continuously growing. These travelers do not seek travel just for relaxation or entertainment but place greater importance on the meaning of their journeys.
This group values authentic experiences, such as conserving natural resources and participating in environmental restoration activities. These experiences not only create deep memories but also shift tourists' perspectives and attitudes, fostering greater awareness and willingness to contribute to protecting the planet. The project has designed various activities, including travel routes that incorporate environmental restoration, care, and conservation.
On 28-29 April 2026, the One Living Planet project held a two-day, one-night Voluntourist event in Prachuap Khiri Khan. This combined tourism with hands-on environmental efforts, such as creating artificial salt licks to supplement minerals for wildlife—a conservation process that helps maintain ecosystem balance.
This activity increases wildlife survival chances in Kui Buri National Park. Additionally, participants collected trash on the beaches of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a natural area rich in biodiversity. The event was conducted in collaboration with environmentalist Alex Rendell and involved volunteers, influencers, and partners.
To boost tourism and raise environmental awareness, TAT partnered with allies to offer promotions and special deals on accommodations such as Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya in Chonburi, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort in Chiang Mai, ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang in Krabi, Center Point Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, and others, providing up to 20% discounts and project souvenirs. Tour companies co-designed eight travel routes catering to target groups, including Wild Encounter Thailand, Sea Blue Tours, Railay Eco Tour, Gogotrip Thailand, Tulak Tule Trip, and Trip This Meet, offering up to 10% discounts and project souvenirs.
Leading partners also offer special benefits and promotions covering travel, accommodation, and lifestyle. Traveloka provides discounts up to 200 baht for participating green hotels; Grab offers a 15% discount up to 100 baht for rides in eight pilot provinces; Vietjet Thailand gives a 30% discount on domestic routes; KTC credit cardholders receive up to 13% cashback when booking participating hotels; Nakhonchai Air offers a 10-baht fare discount per passenger.
Additionally, there are chances to win special prizes. Oasis Spa offers a free natural skincare treatment worth 1,766 baht for customers choosing their signature relaxation massage program. EV Station PluZ runs an online campaign giving 50-baht discount coupons when registering for the One Living Planet project and accumulating a minimum of 500 baht in charging fees during April-May 2026.
THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2026 The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse (KM), announced preparations for THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2026, Asia’s most comprehensive food and beverage trade show, held from 26–30 May 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Returning bigger, better, and bolder, the event will attract buyers and food importers from over 130 countries worldwide, expected to generate trade value exceeding 130 billion baht, reinforcing Thailand's position as a global food trade platform and aiming to establish the country as a global food trade hub.
Hotel Business Trends Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairwoman of Kasikorn Bank and former Minister of Tourism and Sports, together with Dr. Grin Boonlertvanich, Senior Executive Vice President of Kasikorn Bank, along with industry experts and leading hotel and tourism operators, participated in the Next-Gen Hotel DECODED seminar: Unlocking 2026 – Trends, Tech & Sustainability. The event, themed 'In-depth insights, unlocking technology towards a new dimension of sustainable hotel business,' aimed to decode the direction of Thailand's hotel industry in 2026.
Amid challenges in the economy, tourism, technology, and sustainability issues, the seminar supports hotel operators, especially SMEs, to adapt and compete long-term. It was organized by Kasikorn Bank in cooperation with KONCIERGE+, a comprehensive hotel management platform developed by Kasikorn Bank, held recently at the Grand Center Point Lumpini Hotel.