Performance Tracking of Sustainable Tourism Goal (STG) Criteria for Achieving Thailand’s Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Targets in the Service Sector: A Case Study of Large Thai Hotels

Walinpich Kumpiw, Det Damrongsak (), Tassawan Jaitiang (), Wongkot Wongsapai, Korawan Sangkakorn, Sopit Daroon, Kanokwan Khiaolek, Pachernwaat Srichai, Sudarat Auttarat, Sansanee Krajangchom and Thitinadda Chinachan
Additional contact information
Walinpich Kumpiw: Energy Technology for Environment Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Det Damrongsak: Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Tassawan Jaitiang: Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wongkot Wongsapai: Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Korawan Sangkakorn: Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sopit Daroon: Energy Technology for Environment Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Kanokwan Khiaolek: Energy Technology for Environment Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Pachernwaat Srichai: Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sudarat Auttarat: Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sansanee Krajangchom: Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Thitinadda Chinachan: Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: The tourism sector is a vital contributor to Thailand’s economy but also a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to align Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), established in late 2023, with the nation’s GHG reduction targets. Adapted from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STGs encompass 17 dimensions and 86 indicators but currently lack explicit quantitative targets. This research identifies key measurable criteria in energy (STGs 7, 11, 13), waste management (STG 12), and water management (STG 6), focusing on data from large hotels to assess their GHG emissions and reduction potential. The findings indicate that implementing STG measures could reduce emissions by 527,291 tCO 2 eq, equivalent to 4.80% of the national GHG reduction target, through energy conservation, waste management, and water efficiency measures. Adjusted targets, including an 18.50% reduction in the energy sector (107 hotels), a 21.00% reduction in waste (121 hotels), and a 2.50% reduction in wastewater (14 hotels), could enable large hotels to achieve a reduction of 83,880 tCO 2 eq, allowing them to fully meet their assigned reduction responsibilities. Furthermore, this would contribute 0.76% to the national target. This study demonstrates how integrating measurable components into the STG framework can enhance the tourism sector’s role in achieving national climate goals and promoting sustainable practices.

Keywords: sustainable tourism goals; greenhouse gas emission; sustainable hotel; Thailand sustainable tourism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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