Krabi Spesialisten: Maintaining Paradise

08 Apr 2025

Krabi Spesialisten: Maintaining Paradise

Millions of people visit Thailand each year with its beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes a considerable draw. Increasing visitor numbers have put a strain on these beloved local environments. For Krabi Spesialisten, a travel agency focusing on sustainable travel throughout Krabi province and Southern Thailand, the goal is to prove sustainability and tourism can coexist.

Much has changed since Ms Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen founded Krabi Spesialisten more than 20 years ago. When she first started, sustainability was not a significant focus for Thailand’s tourism industry. Having grown up in Scandinavia, where sustainability is an integral part of daily life, she was determined to encourage local tour operators to adopt eco-friendly practices. The process wasn’t always easy.

“At first, we faced resistance, with some operators seeing sustainability as an unnecessary expense rather than an investment in the future,” Ms Kristensen recalls. “However, through education, collaboration, and consistency, we’ve seen a real shift. More and more businesses are embracing responsible tourism, and Krabi is becoming a leader in sustainable travel. It has been an incredible journey to witness this transformation, but there is still more to do.”

As a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Krabi, Krabi Spesialisten has spearheaded a number of key initiatives over the years. They have helped launch refillable water bottle stations, partnered with Trash Hero, and integrated sustainability principles into all aspects of their tours. However, this is only one part of the equation.

“Educating local suppliers has been a key focus of our sustainability journey. By creating plastic-free tours and exclusively partnering with local businesses, we ensure that sustainability is a shared effort,” Ms Kristensen says. “Through ongoing collaboration, we not only support the local economy but also help suppliers adopt responsible practices, improving their long-term impact.”

More than words

Krabi Spesialisten recently became a Travelife Partner, a milestone that Ms Kristensen sees as an enormous achievement. This certification signifies a genuine commitment to sustainable tourism and provides visible recognition of the company’s efforts.

“Attaining a Travelife Partner status is a rigorous process that requires businesses to meet strict sustainability criteria across operations, from environmental policies to community engagement and ethical business practices,” Ms Kristensen explains. “This certification is important because it provides credibility to our sustainability efforts and aligns us with global best practices.”

Work also continues on several other initiatives, including the establishment of plastic-free zones in key areas and the promotion of waste separation among business owners in Krabi. There has also been the installation of public garbage bins in previously neglected areas. Having been selected as the President of SKÅL International Krabi in 2024, Ms Kristensen is able to leverage environmentally-conscious opportunities in collaboration with local authorities even further.

“By fostering dialogue and pushing for systemic change, we are making significant strides in improving Krabi’s waste management infrastructure,” Ms Kristensen points out. “Personally, I am most proud of the awareness we have created and the fact that sustainability is now part of Krabi’s tourism conversation.”

Overcoming obstacles

Despite progress being made on several fronts, infrastructure remains a challenge, especially regarding waste management and recycling options. Krabi Spesialisten is working to overcome these hurdles through continuous dialogue, collaboration with local authorities, and leading by example. The goal is to show sustainable practices are both viable and beneficial for business.

“Another major challenge is the mindset of visitors – many travellers tend to overlook sustainability while on holiday. This means that in addition to working with local businesses, we also need to focus on educating tourists to ensure that responsible travel habits extend beyond their time in Krabi,” Ms Kristensen notes.

She further highlights that sustainable tourism is about balance. The goal is to ensure visitors can experience the beauty of Krabi without harming the environment or disrupting local communities. Ms Kristensen and her team are creating a tourism model that benefits everyone by promoting responsible practices, such as reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and respecting cultural heritage. For Ms Kristensen, this mission is also a personal one.

“Krabi is my second home. It’s not just a place to work; it’s where I have built a life and a community. The natural beauty of this region is what draws people here, and I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to protect it,” Ms Kristensen explains. “Leading sustainability efforts is not just about business. It’s about ensuring that future generations can experience Krabi as it should be: pristine, welcoming, and thriving.”