Thailand’s tourism industry is facing a crucial challenge due to new European Union (EU) sustainability regulations set to take effect in 2026. According to Nation Thailand, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (OT) requires businesses operating within the bloc to ensure that their supply chains meet strict environmental and human rights standards.
According to the news report, this directive means that Thai tourism enterprises must assess their partnerships with European tour operators, travel agencies, and hotel chains. Failure to comply could result in the loss of these European business relationships, which would significantly impact Thailand’s position in the global tourism market.
The hotel sector is particularly at risk. According to Hotel Management Network, more than 20,000 Thai hotels rely on online travel agencies (OTAs). These platforms now require hotels to obtain recognized sustainability certifications to continue listing their rooms. Without these certifications, Thai hotels may be excluded from these essential booking platforms.
To address this situation, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) is calling for government support to expand the capacity of the Hotel Plus certification scheme, which is currently overseen by the Department of Climate Change and Environment. According to Nation Thailand, this program is currently able to certify only 60 hotels per year, which is far from sufficient to meet industry demands. The THA is also advocating for financial incentives to help hotels transition to more sustainable practices.
Despite a growing global demand for sustainable travel, the adoption of international sustainability certifications among Thai hotels remains limited. According to Hotel Management Network, the majority of certified hotels are located in Bangkok and Phuket, while many others face financial constraints and a lack of awareness about the long-term benefits of sustainability measures.
According to the reports, industry experts believe that Thailand’s tourism sector must take proactive steps—including government intervention, financial incentives, and industry-wide commitment to sustainability—to navigate these upcoming challenges.
