TAT launches Coral College Project, promoting safe & sustainable marine tourism

New bilingual e-learning platform aims to protect marine ecosystems and raise tourist awareness

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the Coral College Project, a bilingual e-learning platform that introduces visitors to marine safety, environmental awareness, and responsible tourism practices. Available online at coralcollegethailand.org, the platform is currently being piloted in Phuket with plans to expand nationwide.

The initiative responds to the environmental and safety challenges posed by mass marine tourism. With over six million tourists engaging in activities like snorkelling, freediving and scuba diving each year, incidents such as stepping on coral, disturbing marine life, or ignoring hazards like rip currents continues to be a growing concern.

Coral College aims to tackle these issues through short, interactive lessons covering basic marine safety, coral reef protection, and sustainable underwater tourism. The programme helps tourists build essential knowledge before heading out to sea, supporting both personal safety and ecosystem conservation.

The official launch took place at Chalong Pier in Phuket, with senior representatives from the provincial government, TAT, Chiang Mai University, and local marine businesses in attendance.

Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, TAT Executive Director of the Southern region, emphasised the importance of the project.

“Phuket, recognised globally as a top-tier marine tourism destination, is the ideal place to launch this initiative. With its diverse marine ecosystems and steady flow of international visitors, it’s the right place to set a new standard for how tourism and marine conservation can work together.”

The Coral College platform is the result of collaboration between TAT and several key partners including the Innovative Computing & Advanced Technologies (ICAT) team from Chiang Mai University’s College of Arts, Media and Technology, Global Impact Consulting Co., Ltd. (Hackathon Thailand), and a network of local marine tourism operators.

TAT launches Coral College Project, promoting safe & sustainable marine tourism | News by Thaiger
TAT and the ICAT team

By the end of the first year, the project anticipates engaging at least 3,000 tourists in Phuket, with further rollout planned in other coastal provinces including Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chumphon, and Surat Thani.

Tourists who complete the Coral College experience and participate in the platform’s interactive games are eligible to receive exclusive gifts from TAT and its tourism partners in Phuket, including Love Andaman Co., Ltd., Nikorn Marine Co., Ltd., and Andaman Wave Master Co., Ltd.

More than just an awareness tool, Coral College serves as a strategic step toward improving safety standards and promoting responsible travel practices across Thailand’s marine tourism sector. The initiative highlights TAT’s long-term commitment to safeguarding the country’s marine environments while ensuring tourism growth remains sustainable.

For more information:

TAT launches Coral College Project, promoting safe & sustainable marine tourism | News by Thaiger
Coral College user guide

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