Ecotourism growing in Thailand

With ecotourism becoming an increasingly popular option for travelers, Thailand is getting in on the action with over 200 hotels and resorts designated as "eco-friendly", reports Routard.

The efforts to become environmentally-friendly are overseen by the not-for-profit Green Leaf Foundation, who designate hotels as "eco-friendly" once they meet certain criteria – including proper waste and water management, energy conservation, use of green products, improved indoor air quality, and a recycling program.

The foundation also puts an emphasis on supporting communities, encouraging hotels to purchase local goods and produce, and hire staff from the region.

Under the Green Leaf Foundation auditing process, environmentally-aware hotels are rewarded with a certificate that displays a score from one to five leaves – five-leaf hotels are "the most practiced… in environmental management," explains the foundation website.

Thanks to the country’s efforts, visitors to the area can now take part in activities like scuba diving, bicycling and hiking, knowing the Green Leaf seal means their fun won’t harm the environment.

For more information on Thailand’s ecotourism efforts, you can visit the Green Leaf Foundation website.