SANYA – The development of sustainable tourism in tropical coastal cities rests on four key pillars: proper resource management, harmonious coexistence between locals and residents, diversification of the economy and tourism products, and successful implementation of sustainable practices across the private sector.
These principles are spotlighted in Developing Sustainable Tourism in Tropical Coastal Cities: Global Case Studies, the latest publication from Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), released on November 18. The report was launched in conjunction with the 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, a platform dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration among coastal destinations, organised by the Sanya Tourism Board and supported by PATA.
Coastal areas, particularly in tropical regions, are among the most critically threatened by climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, sea-surface temperatures in the South-West Pacific reached unprecedented levels in 2024, while ocean heat content was close to record highs. Other manmade threats — from careless actions to high volumes of visitors during peak seasons — are also putting severe pressure on the ecosystem. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid
He added, In the face of such challenges, PATA believes that collective progress must be driven by knowledge-sharing and coordinated action. These were the principles that underpin the creation of this report. We are honoured to share our findings and collected insights at the 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event to emphasise both the urgency of the issue and the power of collaboration.
The report outlines obstacles faced by tropical coastal cities, as well as strategies that balance economic growth, environmental conservation and socio-cultural sustainability under the four aforementioned pillars. It also provides valuable insights into successful case studies of tropical coastal cities which have integrated sustainable tourism development into their operations.
Examples of Featured Case Studies
Sanya: The Protection and Restoration of Marine Environment
Wuzhizhou Island established Hainan’s first national-level marine ranch demonstration zone to restore coral reefs and fishery resources while enhancing the marine ecological environment. The island also operates a comprehensive waste management system to protect the marine environment and eliminate sea pollution.
Scientists have developed patented technologies to restore coral reefs and improve the reef ecosystem, helping to replenish marine life populations. For its efforts, the island has been designated a “5A” tourist destination and recognised as a “Zero-Waste Tourism Attraction” in Sanya. It also serves as a coral reef restoration base for the UN COP15 Youth Biodiversity Expedition in Hainan.
Thailand: Water Resources Management
Thailand began to establish a comprehensive database to identify and differentiate the water demand of the commercial tourism sector and residential households. Water reserves will be provided during peak demand periods in the high tourism season.
In addition, Thailand is conducting campaigns to promote water conservation and has implemented fiscal measures to impose higher utility rates for water usage. The restoration and conservation of local ecosystems in their special zones was ensured to support water absorption and mitigate urban flooding within the Bio-Economy and Green Economy framework.
Indonesia: Energy Consumption, Waste Reduction, and Innovation
Desa Potato Head Resort has 168 rooms and three goals: to be zero waste, to be sustainable in a beautiful way, and to be part of the regeneration process. To develop an Environmental Management Program, Desa Potato Head works with Eco Mantra, an eco-engineering consultancy, to implement footprint measurement, efficient resource management, foster green company culture, etc.
The resort achieved a 97.5% recycling rate with only 2.5% of waste ending up in landfill in 2023, plans to install solar power to reduce energy consumption within its facilities, and created a new technology called Styroshell to recycle styrofoam and produce amenities such as soap dispensers, tissue boxes, and trash bins.
For the full report: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/developing-sustainable-tourism-in-tropical-coastal-cities
Developing Sustainable Tourism in Tropical Coastal Cities: Global Case Studies is the 18th report published by PATA this year, which includes the Association’s flagship forecast reports, the Annual Tourism Monitor reports, as well as the Halal Travel Trends Report and the Human Capital Development report released earlier in 2025.
These publications align with PATA’s strategy to broaden the generation and dissemination of timely research and insights that address critical priorities for the industry, including climate change, regenerative and responsible tourism, and emerging trends and challenges shaping the future of travel.
About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which include government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, educational institutions, and thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces grassroots activism of PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, which organise travel industry training programmes and business development events around the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide. Hundreds of students are members of 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices around the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.
