Chiang Mai University, through the Innovative Research and Computational Science Lab of the College of Arts, Media, and Technology, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism from the Faculty of Humanities and other internal organizations such as the Energy Research and Development Institute - Nakornping, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Education, Lifelong Learning College, and the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, has officially launched the Tourism-Zero Project.

This initiative aims to develop a curriculum for zero-waste management in the hospitality and tourism sector.The international collaboration involves leading universities and organizations, including:

1.        Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University (Phuket Campus), Thailand

2.        National University of Laos, Laos

3.        Savannakhet University, Laos

4.        Yunnan University, China

5.        Chengdu University, China

6.        Fundació Universitària Balmes (UVIC-UCC), Spain

7.        Harokopio University of Athens (HUA), Greece

8.        Symplexis, Greece

9.        Thai Hotels Association (Southern Chapter)

Funded under the EU’s ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE program, the project focuses on developing skills and curricula for waste management in hospitality and tourism to promote sustainability. Southeast Asia’s thriving tourism industry has become a significant source of income for many countries. However, its rapid growth has also led to severe waste management challenges, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags, and food packaging, which harm the environment and the sustainability of tourist destinations.

The Tourism-Zero Project aims to address these challenges by developing educational programs that emphasize waste reduction and resource management under the “Zero Waste” concept. This initiative seeks to raise awareness among educators and tourism industry workers, aligning CMU’s curriculum with sustainability goals and integrating sustainable practices into target programs. The project also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The program, funded for three years (2024–2026), reflects CMU's vision as a carbon-neutral university and its commitment to fostering environmentally friendly futures.

Key highlights of the launch event,  was inaugurated by Assistant Professor Dr. Pitipong Yodmongkol, CMU Vice President, who signed agreements with project collaborators. Attendees included executives such as:

• Assistant Professor Dr. Worawit Janchai, Dean of the College of Arts, Media, and Technology
• Assistant Professor Dr. Raslapat Suteeca , Head of Academic office, College of Arts, Media, and Technology
• Assistant Professor Dr. Rawee Chansong, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities
• Dr. Janchira Asakit, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education
• Associate Professor Dr. Thongchai Fongsamootr, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
• Assistant Professor Dr. Saoharit Nitayavardhana, Deputy Director of the Energy Research and Development Institute - Nakornping
• Mr. Keng Chaiwarin, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office

CMU’s core project team members include,

• Assistant Professor Dr. Yuthasak Chatkaewnapanon, Project Manager
• Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarraporn Khuwuthyakorn, Project Manager
• Assistant Professor Dr. Orawit Thinnukool, Project Coordinator
• Assistant Professor Dr. Uraiwan Hanwong
• Assistant Professor Dr. Pruek Akarangsee
• Associate Professor Dr. Pratana Jaiphong
• Assistant Professor Dr. Achara Khamaksorn
• Assistant Professor Dr. Chalermpon Kongjit
• Assistant Professor Dr. Napaporn Reeweerakul
• Assistant Professor Dr. Pakinee Ariya
• Ms. Thitinadda Jinachancharn

Since 2023, CMU’s research group has undertaken innovation-driven tourism development initiatives funded by the European Commission. This ongoing support, sustained over five years, highlights CMU's strong international collaborations and impactful global projects. These align with CMU’s 13th development plan to become a leading socially responsible university fostering sustainable development through innovation.