Meliá Chiang Mai Expands Forest Restoration in Northern Thailand
Meliá Chiang Mai has planted over 6,600 native trees since 2022 as part of its 'Meliá Go Green' initiative, contributing to forest restoration and biodiversity conservation in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
Hotel Intensifies Conservation Programme
Meliá Chiang Mai has significantly expanded its forest restoration efforts in northern Thailand, planting over 6,600 native trees since 2022. This initiative, part of the hotel's 'Meliá Go Green' programme, supports biodiversity conservation within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The most recent planting event occurred on June 26, 2026, when approximately 180 hotel employees collaborated with the Doi Suthep Nature Center, according to a report by TTG Asia on July 23, 2026.
Specifics of Tree Planting
During the June 26 activity, 800 native trees were planted across two rai (0.32 hectares) in Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts. This brought the cumulative total to 6,650 trees, contributing to the restoration of more than 2.8 hectares of seasonally dry tropical forest. The selection of native tree species aims to strengthen local biodiversity, improve watershed health, and create suitable habitats for wildlife. Meliá Chiang Mai has partnered with the Doi Suthep Nature Center on forest restoration since 2022. The forests surrounding Doi Suthep-Pui National Park are home to over 300 bird species and nearly 2,000 species of ferns and flowering plants.
Wider Sustainability Commitments
The tree-planting programme forms part of Meliá Chiang Mai's broader sustainability commitments. These include sourcing seasonal ingredients from local producers, reducing food waste, and engaging with farmers, academic institutions, and local communities on environmental projects. The hotel also supports local artisans through The Gallery social enterprise, which showcases handcrafted products to preserve traditional skills and generate income for community businesses. Marc Selinger, general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai, stated that 'Meliá Go Green has become so much more than a regular volunteer activity,' highlighting the team's 'tangible contribution to restoring northern Thailand’s forests'.
Implications for Travel and Industry
For travellers, such initiatives demonstrate a growing focus on responsible tourism practices within the hospitality sector in Thailand. Hotels like Meliá Chiang Mai are integrating ecological conservation directly into their operations and community engagement, which can influence destination appeal for environmentally conscious guests. For the industry, this shows a tangible commitment to environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for other properties in popular Asian destinations to consider similar long-term ecological projects, as reported by TTG Asia. This trend suggests an increasing alignment between hotel operations and local ecological preservation goals.
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