Bangkok / Surat Thani – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the Save Ko Tao Club, Ko Tao Municipality and Surat Thani Provincial Administration is organising the Save Ko Tao Festival 2014, aimed at promoting this increasingly popular island in the southern coastal province of Surat Thani as a green destination where the environment is preserved and protected.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “The main objectives of the Save Ko Tao Festival 2014 are to strengthen the reputation of Ko Tao as one of Thailand’s premier island destinations as well as to raise awareness of the importance of environmental preservation. Green tourism is indeed the primary focus of Ko Tao’s development from now and into the future.”

The Save Ko Tao Festival is set to take place from 17-19 June, at Sairee Beach on Ko Tao with a range of fun and educational activities to raise awareness of the environmental issues that threaten islands such as Ko Tao, including:

One Free Day:  An initiative that encourages small shops and tourism-related businesses on Ko Tao to devote one of their Free Days to doing good deeds that will contribute towards saving the island’s environment. There will be more than 150 shops taking part in the activity;

Diving School Promotion:  A promotion to increase awareness of the island’s diving schools that offer lessons which incorporate CSR activities into their diving packages;

Cycling around the Island:  A green activity that encourages both locals and visitors to get around Ko Tao by riding bicycles, aimed at reducing road accidents and promoting an eco-friendly travel option;

Workshops to educate locals and visitors about certain aspects of environmental management by the community;

Demonstrations from the National Disaster Warning Centre on how rescue teams work to save lives when a disaster or accidents occur;

A Photo Exhibition showcasing aerial views of Ko Tao and photos of other tourist attractions in Surat Thani province.

All the activities at the Save Ko Tao Festival are free of charge and will take place into the evening. Visitors and locals will not only be able to join the beach clean ups, clean up dives and take part in environmental assessments, but also educate themselves on many different aspects of sustainable development.

The TAT Governor said, “We aim to create a wider eco-awareness among people visiting the island and encourage everyone to take part in saving the Ko Tao’s precious natural resources and pristine environment. The festival is a great opportunity for all of Ko Tao’s visitors and residents to come together and participate in all activities.”

For more information, contact:  tatsurat@tat.or.th