A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently:
Regenerative tourism in Thailand: HTC2025
At the Hospitality Thailand Conference 2025 (HTC2025), it wasn’t the plush ballroom or gourmet coffee that kept attendees talking — it was a breakout panel that lit a fire under the tourism status quo. Titled “Beyond Sustainability: Regenerative Tourism and Inclusive Growth in Thailand” the session redefined what it means to travel responsibly — shifting from the feel-good gloss of “do less harm” to the deeper work of healing ecosystems, empowering communities, and reshaping economies from the soil up.
(source: Travel Daily News)
Multinational promotion campaign targets Middle East market
Seychelles has just taken a bold step that could shake up the travel scene across the Gulf. In a powerful move, Seychelles now unites with tourism giants—Maldives, Turkey, France, Georgia, Thailand, Malaysia and the UK—in a joint push to attract travellers from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. This strategic alliance is not just another campaign—it’s a seismic shift in how top global destinations are fighting for the attention of Gulf tourists.
(source: Travel and Tour World)
Thai elephant sanctuary gives exploited animals a happy retirement
Asian elephants are listed as an Endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List – one of the world’s most comprehensive data sources on the conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Thailand is home to about 15 per cent of the 52,000 wild Asian elephants. The mammals roam free in 12 other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia and China. At the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, which is recognised by WAP as a “best practice elephant venue”, the animals are free from chains and exploitation.
(source: South China Morning Post)
Koh Samui continues to rise due to White Lotus popularity
Koh Samui, Thailand’s renowned island destination, is experiencing a significant increase in tourist numbers following the airing of HBO’s “The White Lotus” Season 3, which prominently featured the island’s luxury resorts and landscapes. Additionally, searches for trips to Koh Samui have increased by 115 per cent from Singapore, 95 per cent from the United States, and 70 per cent from Australia. The inclusion of BLACKPINK’s Lisa in the series has further amplified the island’s appeal, contributing to a 65 per cent increase in interest among American tourists, state reports.
(source: Outlook Traveller)
Get the latest on Thailand, follow Panorama Destination and never miss a thing!
