The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is advancing the Sustainable Tourism industry by preparing to elevate the SHA standards in collaboration with Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC), a Thai real estate developer focused on comprehensive lifestyle solutions, and its partners. This initiative aims to position Thailand as a Global Sustainable Destination. AWC has announced its operational framework and sustainability goals, continuing its commitment to the mission of "Creating a Better Future".

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated, "TAT recognizes the importance of elevating the Thai tourism industry for long-term stable growth, aligning with the new era of tourism that emphasizes sustainable tourism. TAT aims to build upon existing strengths by enhancing the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) standards to further promote sustainable tourism. We aspire to be a central hub for uniting and supporting Thai operators in sustainable practices, while also establishing new standards for businesses to implement according to international sustainable development frameworks that prioritize environmental growth (carbon emission reduction, water management, and waste management), community economic development, and local culture, under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to promote Thailand as a global sustainable destination."

Currently, TAT is developing a framework to enhance the SHA standards to promote sustainable tourism, aiming to invite and support operators in the Thai tourism industry to unite in sustainable tourism development. This will lay a solid foundation for Thailand to become a globally recognized sustainable tourism destination in a tangible and quality manner according to international standards in the future.

Ms. Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and Managing Director of Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC), stated, "AWC is committed to the mission of 'Creating a Better Future' to deliver value to all stakeholders and the Thai tourism industry sustainably. We believe that collaboration and cooperation from all sectors can drive Thailand towards becoming a global sustainable tourism destination. AWC has partnered with TAT, a crucial public sector ally, to push forward and serve as a central hub for all operators to create value for sustainable tourism in Thailand together."

Additionally, AWC has aligned its sustainability vision with private sector partners, leading financial institutions, and global hotel chains such as Marriott, Banyan Tree, Okura, Hilton, IHG, and Melia, who recognize the importance of sustainable tourism and work together to strengthen the country's economy. Various projects are still under continuous development for long-term sustainability.

Throughout its operations, AWC has been committed to sustainable business practices according to its strategic sustainability plan. Projects such as The Athenee Hotel Bangkok and The Luxury Collection Hotel have become the first hotels in the world to receive ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. AWC and its partners from various sectors will unite to create sustainable value within the framework of sustainable development's three pillars and six dimensions, known as 3BETTERs, which include:

1) Better Planet: Promoting the transition to carbon neutrality and implementing a circular economy from planning and construction to management and operations, collaborating with partners to integrate international frameworks into project development according to green building standards.

2) Better People: Developing personnel both within and outside the organization, enhancing occupational health and safety operations, and promoting quality of life and well-being in society and communities through collaboration with local communities to enhance knowledge and develop careers, creating sustainable income through the "The GALLERY" project, which aims to sell community-made products and increase the value of local art.

3) Better Prosperity: Driving economic development and stimulating broad economic prosperity by aligning the organization's strategic plan with national economic and social development plans, investing in diverse real estate projects to create jobs and income for communities and local businesses, enhancing value and creating a strong ecosystem to elevate Thailand as a global sustainable tourism destination.

"AWC recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism and is pleased to collaborate with TAT and partners throughout the value chain to drive sustainable tourism, elevating Thailand to a global sustainable tourism destination and 'Creating a Better Future' for Thailand. AWC, along with all partners and global hotel chains, aims to have all its hotel and service businesses certified under TAT's SHA standards for promoting sustainable tourism, including goals for carbon neutrality and zero waste to landfill from operations by 2030," Ms. Wallapa concluded.

Currently, AWC's portfolio consists of 19 hotel and service businesses, 9 shopping centers, 4 office buildings, and 2 wholesale businesses, totaling 34 locations, with 15 new projects under development, including the InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Hotel and the Innside Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel, which are constructed with green building standards and are EDGE certified, set to open in early 2023. AWC remains committed to developing projects under its sustainable development strategy to meet green building certification standards that emphasize resource efficiency, such as the Aqua Teak The Beachfront Pattaya project, which aims for LEED certification by 2026, and the Asiatique The Riverfront expansion, which aims for LEED & WELL certification by 2029.

AWC continues to operate under a sustainable development framework and has participated in sustainability standards both domestically and internationally, such as being selected for the Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) list by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, receiving an MSCI ESG Rating of "AA", and being selected as a member of the S&P Sustainability Index (from the Sustainability Yearbook 2022) for the hotel, resort, and cruise industry, as well as receiving an "Excellence" rating in corporate governance and being recognized as a partner in the Thai private sector's anti-corruption initiative (CAC).