Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand

This case study examines Chiang Mai's transition toward sustainable urban tourism through the implementation of a non-motorised transport (NMT) system. Facing high greenhouse gas emissions from the tourism sector—specifically ground transport—the city developed a participatory plan to increase bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The initiative aims to reduce CO2e emissions by 0.6–1.6% of ground transport totals while creating green jobs for the urban poor. The project has served as a catalyst for further low-carbon policies, including a GEF-funded pilot project and the planned creation of a City Council for Climate Change.

• In 2011, the tourism sector in Chiang Mai produced approximately 4,417,511 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), with the transport sector identified as the primary source, accounting for 95.8% of these emissions.
• To mitigate emissions and address urban issues like traffic congestion and air pollution, Chiang Mai developed a non-motorised transport (NMT) system. This system focuses on human or animal-powered mobility, such as walking and cycling, to replace motorised transport.
• The NMT initiative was designed as a 'win-win' strategy to simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate poverty by creating income opportunities for the urban poor, including street vendors and bicycle operators.
• Implementing NMT options in the city was estimated to potentially replace between 535,820 and 1,339,550 local diesel vehicle kilometres annually, which would result in a reduction of 230–570 tons of CO2e per year, or 0.6–1.6% of ground transport emissions within the city.
• The city government has set a target to increase its bicycle lane networks in the city centre from 4% to 10%. Other proposed measures include reducing vehicle speed limits in the canal area by 20%, introducing car-free days, and promoting segways.
• The project acted as a catalyst for further low-carbon initiatives, leading to a pilot project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for integrated land use and sustainable urban transport planning, specifically using the Three Kings Monument area as a demonstration site.
• Chiang Mai plans to further its low-carbon reputation by establishing the Chiang Mai City Council for Climate Change to promote Low-Carbon Campuses and develop a Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) for participating universities.

APA

Kusakabe, K., Shrestha, P., Kumar, S., & Suwanprik, T. (2014). Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_InsideStory-ChiangMai_final_web-res-revised.pdf

Chicago

Kusakabe, Kyoko, Pujan Shrestha, S. Kumar, and Trinnawat Suwanprik. Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2014. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_InsideStory-ChiangMai_final_web-res-revised.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kusakabe |first1=Kyoko |last2=Shrestha |first2=Pujan |last3=Kumar |first3=S. |last4=Suwanprik |first4=Trinnawat |title=Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |date=May 2014 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_InsideStory-ChiangMai_final_web-res-revised.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kusakabe2014catalysing, author = {Kusakabe, Kyoko and Shrestha, Pujan and Kumar, S. and Suwanprik, Trinnawat}, title = {{Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2014}, month = may, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_InsideStory-ChiangMai_final_web-res-revised.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }