Tourism and Sustainable Transformation - Innovation

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In part one of the PATA blog series on the four pillars of World Tourism Day 2025, centred around the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, the critical role of Education in driving long-term change was explored through the work of Airbnb, Aseer Region Development Authority, Wise Steps Group, and Visa. Now, we shift our focus to the second key pillar: Innovation, examining how creative solutions and new business models are reshaping the future of tourism.

Innovation

Innovation is the engine of sustainable transformation, providing the cutting-edge tools and technologies necessary to strengthen sustainability and resilience in the face of global challenges. Today, innovation must go beyond short-term fixes and instead aim to redefine how tourism operates. This means embracing forward-thinking ideas and supporting approaches that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve visitor experiences.

We now turn our attention to two leading organisations driving innovation in the tourism sector — Candela and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) — to see how they are turning ideas into actions.

Candela “Hydrofoil Technology for Sustainable Marine Tourism”

Candela develops hydrofoiling electric boats and ferries that combine long range with high speed — shaping a new standard for waterborne mobility, showing how technology can drive systemic change and ensure tourism supports, rather than threatens, our planet.

Candela P-12

.Marcel Fuhrer, APAC Business Development Manager at Candela, states that the organisation’s purpose is to speed up the transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans. They are pioneering high-speed, zero-emission electric hydrofoiling boats and ferries that prove sustainable travel on water can be both efficient and enjoyable.

Their hydrofoil technology reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional vessels, making long-range electric journeys viable for the first time. By eliminating noise, wake, and exhaust fumes, Candela vessels protect fragile marine ecosystems while creating cleaner, quieter waterways for communities and tourists.

For the tourism sector, this transformation is especially powerful. Visitors can experience pristine natural environments without contributing to their degradation, while operators gain a competitive edge through innovation and sustainability. (Read Candela’s Whitepaper for Phuket’s Integration Project >)

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) “Carbon Management for Eco-conscious Event Planning”

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is redefining Thailand’s business events (MICE) industry through smart, sustainable solutions. By supporting organisers with innovative programmes and tools, TCEB is reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading business destination in Asia.

Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, notes that the organisation is accelerating Thailand’s sustainable transformation in the MICE industry with the Real-Time Carbon Emission Platform. Developed by AltoTech Global under TCEB’s MICE Winnovation programme, this smart dashboard empowers event organisers to monitor carbon emissions from energy, food, packaging, and travel instantly. Piloted at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, the platform marks a leap toward data-driven, eco-conscious event planning. The collected data provides insights that allow organisers to analyse, plan, and manage emissions with precision, marking a significant milestone towards achieving Carbon Neutral Events.

TCEB also complements this initiative with a Basic Carbon Avoidance Calculator for Events and a carbon footprint calculator application, helping organisers estimate and reduce emissions. Together, these innovations demonstrate how TCEB is integrating technology to shape a future for the MICE industry where environmental responsibility lies at its core. (Learn more about TCEB’s MICE Winnovation programme >)”

TCEB MICE Winnovation: Introducing Innovation for Sustainable Events

Real-Time Carbon Footprint Tracking Dashboard

TRAFS-Asean Retail-Pub Bar

This article is part two of the PATA blog series celebrating World Tourism Day 2025, which was under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. Across the four articles, PATA delves into the four pillars of sustainable transformation. Check out more of our series: Education, Climate Action, and Governance