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Chiang Mai University Hosts “Tourism-Zero in Action” Forum to Advance Zero-Waste Tourism and Future Workforce Development

15 May 2026
College of Art, Media and Technology
The College of Arts, Media and Technology (CAMT), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, is set to organize an academic forum entitled “Tourism-Zero in Action: Designing Zero-Waste Tourism for the Future Workforce.” The event aims to promote the concept of Zero-Waste Tourism and strengthen future workforce skills within the tourism and hospitality industries. The forum will be held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at Doi Luang Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Kantary Hills Hotel, Chiang Mai, under the Tourism-Zero project, funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education Programme.
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During the event, Assistant Professor Dr. Orawit Thinnukool, Head of the Tourism-Zero Project from the College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, will welcome participants and present an overview of the project, including international directions in sustainable tourism development. The presentation will also highlight Chiang Mai University’s role in advancing education, research, and collaboration with industry partners to support the transition toward a Green Economy and modern tourism practices that emphasize environmental responsibility, social sustainability, and workforce skills aligned with rapidly evolving technological trends.
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The event will also be honored by the welcoming remarks of Assistant Professor Songphan Tantrakul, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, while Assistant Professor Dr. Somkiat Nuamna, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts, Media and Technology, will officially open the forum. Their participation reflects the integration of humanities, technology, and environmental disciplines in preparing tourism professionals to adapt to rapidly changing global challenges.
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One of the key highlights of the event is the introduction of four Tourism-Zero courses designed to equip students, tourism personnel, and hospitality entrepreneurs with new knowledge and practical competencies related to sustainability and environmental management. The courses will be presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Patiroop Pholchan and Dr. Anuchit Sonwai from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University. The curriculum covers responsible consumption, the impacts of waste on global warming, zero-waste concepts in tourism and hospitality operations, local municipal waste management, and basic environmental impact assessment for non-science students.
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Following the course presentations, a special panel discussion under the same theme, “Tourism-Zero in Action: Designing Zero-Waste Tourism for the Future Workforce,” will bring together experts from academia and the tourism industry in Chiang Mai to exchange perspectives on the future of sustainable tourism. Distinguished panelists include Mr. Seksan Sutha, Advisor to the Thai Lanna Spa Association and Director of Fah Lanna Art Museum; Ms. Petcharat Ruenthong from the Human Resources and Training Department of Melia Chiang Mai; Mr. Suksan Chutintharathip, Executive Chef of Melia Chiang Mai; and Assistant Professor Dr. Patiroop Phonchan. The discussion will be moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Yuthasak Chatkaewnapanon, Head of the Department of Tourism, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University.
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The panel discussion will focus on critical issues such as workforce skill gaps in the tourism industry, the adaptation of hospitality businesses toward sustainability-oriented practices, and real-world case studies from leading organizations in Chiang Mai, including Melia Chiang Mai and Fah Lanna Spa Chiang Mai. These organizations have successfully integrated environmental concepts into management practices, customer services, and tourism experience design aimed at reducing environmental impacts in practical and measurable ways.
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The forum also welcomes participants from local tourism businesses, hospitality operators, service industries, academic institutions, and student communities, reflecting the growing recognition of sustainability transformation within the tourism sector. The event demonstrates the increasing importance of collaboration among universities, industry stakeholders, and international networks in shaping a sustainable tourism ecosystem and preparing a future-ready workforce.
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The Tourism-Zero project represents a significant example of international cooperation between universities, private sectors, and global partners dedicated to developing innovative curricula and learning activities that equip future professionals with the knowledge, understanding, and competencies required in an increasingly sustainability-driven world. In particular, the project supports the transition of the tourism industry toward models that prioritize waste reduction, efficient resource utilization, and shared value creation among economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
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