Thailand to Expand Unesco Creative Cities Network to Boost Tourism Revenue

Thailand is set to ramp up its drive to secure Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) recognition for two new destinations every two years, a national strategy aimed at having at least 35 Thai cities designated by 2037. The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) anticipates that such recognition will boost tourism revenue in these areas by 10-30%. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, director of Dasta, stated that Thailand is on track to promote community-based and cultural tourism to meet international standards as targeted by the government. The strategy aims for Thailand to achieve international standards, such as UCCN or Top 100 Sustainable Destinations by Green Destinations, for 35 cities or communities by 2037. Currently, Thailand has nine Unesco creative cities and approximately 15 communities and attractions recognized as top 100 sustainable destinations. Phuket was the first Thai city to be named a UCCN city in 2015, in the 'City of Gastronomy' category. Dasta has assisted six of the nine cities in achieving recognition since 2019: Sukhothai, Nan, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Suphan Buri, and Phetchaburi. Under Unesco's criteria, each country can only receive two creative city titles every two years. Globally, 408 cities are recognized under the UCCN. Dasta, along with related ministries and provincial organizations, plans to submit two more cities for Unesco recognition in 2027. Potential candidates include Pattaya for film, Chanthaburi for gastronomy, and Si Sa Ket for crafts and folk art. "This investment should be valuable for future tourism returns," said Mr Siripakorn, expecting the recognition to attract more high-spending tourists seeking new experiences and increase average spending per trip by an additional 3,000-5,000 baht. Dasta and its partners recently held the Thailand Creative Cities Network Forum 2026, facilitating idea exchange between representatives of new candidate cities and delegates from established creative cities such as Berlin, Jakarta, Cebu, and Echizen. In terms of community-based tourism, Dasta-designated areas generated 137 million baht in 2025, a 22.3% year-on-year increase, with 426,431 visitors. Dasta plans to return the administration of one designated area to its local community next year, as it is deemed ready for independent management. Information Source: Bangkok Post