Published on
January 13, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
On January 12, 2026, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) unveiled an ambitious sustainability plan to cut carbon emissions by 20,000 TonCO₂e by 2030. This strategic initiative is part of TCEB’s continued efforts to lead the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry in sustainable practices and aligns with Thailand’s broader commitment to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This announcement follows a significant milestone for the TCEB, which in the fiscal year 2025 achieved a remarkable reduction of 2,445.97 TonCO₂e across 232 events. This achievement marked a 313% increase from the previous year, demonstrating TCEB’s growing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the MICE sector.
The What: TCEB’s 2030 Carbon Reduction Target
TCEB’s bold target is designed to propel the organization toward a more sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions in the MICE sector. The target to reduce 20,000 TonCO₂e by 2030 aims to address the growing environmental concerns associated with large-scale events and the tourism industry at large. TCEB’s new focus on carbon-neutral events and the integration of sustainability into the MICE industry is a direct response to the increasing global demand for greener business practices.
This carbon reduction initiative forms a part of Thailand’s national development strategy and complements the country’s ongoing efforts to become a global leader in sustainable tourism and event management. Through this framework, TCEB aims to attract international clients who prioritize sustainability and position Thailand as a top destination for environmentally responsible meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
The Why: Strategic Move Towards Sustainability in MICE
The move to implement such a comprehensive carbon reduction plan comes at a time when the environmental impact of tourism and events is under increased scrutiny worldwide. The MICE industry, particularly large international events, is known for its high energy consumption and substantial carbon emissions. TCEB’s initiative aims to address these concerns head-on by making sustainability an integral part of Thailand’s MICE offerings.
TCEB’s President, Supawan Teerarat, emphasized that this plan goes beyond simple reduction efforts—it is part of a strategic push to elevate Thailand’s global competitiveness as a sustainable MICE destination. By integrating sustainable practices across all levels of event planning and execution, TCEB intends to provide more value to its clients, reduce the ecological footprint of events, and enhance Thailand’s international image as a responsible, forward-thinking tourism hub.
The How: Implementing Carbon-Neutral Event Planning and Tools
To support these ambitious targets, TCEB has revised its requirements for event organizers, mandating that all events adhere to carbon-neutral planning. This means that event organizers must actively work to offset their events’ carbon emissions through various means, including the use of carbon credits.
TCEB has developed tools to help event planners measure, track, and mitigate their carbon footprint. These tools include a carbon footprint avoidance calculator and the Zero Carbon application, which was developed in partnership with the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation. The Zero Carbon application allows event organizers to track and offset emissions effectively, providing an essential framework for achieving sustainability goals.
In addition to these tools, TCEB is encouraging the use of carbon credits derived from Thai greenhouse gas reduction projects. These credits will serve as a way to offset emissions generated by events, ensuring that all aspects of the MICE industry in Thailand contribute to the country’s overall carbon reduction objectives.
The Where: Strengthening Thailand’s Position as a Sustainable MICE Destination
As part of TCEB’s strategy to position Thailand as a premier destination for sustainable events, the organization is also looking to increase the number of international MICE clients who prioritize sustainability. Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, modern facilities, and commitment to environmental stewardship make it an ideal location for green events. With the resumption of large-scale conferences and exhibitions post-pandemic, Thailand’s enhanced sustainability offerings will appeal to global businesses looking to meet their corporate social responsibility goals.
Thailand’s government and its tourism stakeholders have long been focused on integrating sustainability into their tourism offerings, and TCEB’s carbon reduction plan is a natural extension of this vision. The updated approach to event planning emphasizes the importance of environmental responsibility, attracting not only more business but also positioning Thailand as a leader in sustainable tourism.
The When: Implementation Timeline for Carbon Reduction
The TCEB’s carbon reduction target is set for completion by 2030, with incremental goals leading up to the final figure. TCEB’s initiatives will be implemented progressively, starting with changes to how events are planned and executed in the coming years. As of January 2026, TCEB is actively working to integrate its new sustainability requirements into existing event structures, starting with major upcoming events and continuing through to the final push for carbon-neutral event operations.
The organization’s immediate actions include updating its event guidelines, providing training for organizers, and offering more resources to help them implement sustainability measures. Over the next five years, the integration of these measures will help to ensure that Thailand remains on track to meet its 2030 target.
The What Else: Supporting the Global Shift Towards Sustainability
TCEB’s carbon reduction goals align with broader global trends in sustainable tourism and event management. As environmental concerns continue to shape industry standards, MICE organizations worldwide are expected to follow suit by implementing similar carbon-neutral initiatives. TCEB’s early adoption of sustainability practices serves as a model for other countries looking to reduce the environmental impact of their tourism and event industries.
The shift towards greener MICE events will also bring tangible benefits to Thailand’s economy. Not only will this attract more international visitors and clients, but it will also promote the development of local green industries, including renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and carbon offset projects.
Conclusion: Leading the Way in Sustainable MICE Events
With its newly established carbon reduction target, TCEB is leading the charge in making Thailand a global hub for sustainable MICE events. The organization’s innovative approach to reducing emissions, coupled with its use of cutting-edge tools like the Zero Carbon application, demonstrates the viability of integrating sustainability into event management. As Thailand moves towards achieving its 2030 goal, it will continue to build a strong reputation as a destination that prioritizes environmental responsibility while offering world-class event facilities.
As the MICE industry continues to evolve, TCEB’s focus on sustainability will be pivotal in shaping the future of meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, not just in Thailand, but across the globe.
