Eco+friendly means just that in thailand

7 Greens Fair enthusiastically shares sustainability with industry and visitors

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is brushing up its sustainable tourism credentials by arranging the "7 Greens Fair", which will take place at Central Plaza Grand Rama IX from 17-20 May, 2014.

Mrs. Vilaiwan Twichasri, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business of TAT said, "The Fair is about raising awareness of sustainable tourism management in the travel industry and showing tourists that it’s possible to be truly green travellers and look after the places they enjoy visiting.

"The event will also promote Thailand as an environmentally-friendly destination where people care about how the kingdom’s natural resources are used and preserved."

The ‘7 Greens’ concept was first introduced in 2008 with the aim of providing guidelines for tourism operators on how to develop their products and services while promoting sustainable eco-friendly tourism and conserving the natural environment.

The first "7 Greens" Fair, held last year, was a highly successful event with over 40,000 people coming to take part and see the exhibits.

Mrs. Vilaiwan Twichasri, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business of TAT said "TAT is retaining the seven-zone concept. Throughout the four-day fair, visitors can learn why sustainable tourism not only ensures a better experience for people who come here, but also means Thailand’s myriad attractions can be enjoyed by the generations to come."

In the ‘Welcome Zone’ visitors get to meet Nong Sukjai  – the ‘7 Greens’ mascot of TAT who will greet everyone via the cutting-edge technology of ‘Film Clear View Interactive’, that provides information in a fun way. Visitors also get their Green Passports, which enable them to take part in various activities; such as, the D.I.Y. Green Workshop and also means they can pick up some fun and eco-friendly souvenirs to remind them of their day.

The ‘Green Heart Zone is the venue for the "7 Greens Eco Young Creative Competition 2014" in which students can compete to create products with environmentally-friendly or recycled materials and win scholarship awards worth more than 70,000 Baht.

The ‘Green Logistics Zone’ is an inspirational photo exhibition under the theme "The Reflexion" will highlight how travelling in the greenest ways possible can enrich tourists’ experiences and make them see their world and how they interact with it, in a brand new way.

And the ‘Green Attraction/ Green Activity/ Green Community/ Green Service Zone’ This exhibition area showcases some of the award-winning eco-friendly and culturally aware tourism ventures established by communities from all over Thailand. These include a Bencharong painting demonstration from Ban Don Kai Di community in Samut Songkhram and a display of cloth weaving and beadwork from the Ban Huai Tong Ko community in Mae Hong Son. There will also be displays and presentations from some of the many eco-friendly communities from all over the nation.

The ‘Thailand Tourism Awards Zone’ is where visitors can see which tourist operators have been recognised by TAT for the contributions they have made for promoting and operating green tourism schemes in Thailand.

In the ‘Green Plus Zone’ visitors get to share some of their own ideas about sustainable tourism. Photos of the fair can be uploaded to Instagram or Facebook, using #7Greens, and anyone who has a green idea or eco-friendly plan can write their idea on the special ‘7 Greens’ display tree and be rewarded with a lovely small plant.

Finally in the ‘Green Stage Zone’ there is an educational and entertainment zone. Experts will attend and give talks and share their ideas and experience of green issues and eco-friendly tourism and products. There will also be famous singers and celebrities performing live on stage and entertaining the crowds throughout the event.

For more information, visit:http:// www.tourismthailand.org/7greens

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Valere Tjolle