Can Thai Hospitality Lead the Sustainability Wave Across Asia and Beyond?
Thailand’s hospitality industry has long been celebrated for its signature warmth and unparalleled charm. Today, however, it stands on the cusp of an even greater transformation — moving beyond traditional service benchmarks to embrace and excel in the rapidly evolving sustainability movement.
This shift is not merely about adaptation but about leading the way in redefining what responsible hospitality can achieve on a global scale.
The momentum is driven by an ideal environment: increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious travel, cutting-edge eco-technologies, and a growing recognition that sustainability is no longer optional but essential.
Thai hospitality groups are leveraging this trifecta to redefine their roles—not just as service providers but as stewards of the environment and communities they call home.
A Thailand Blueprint for Responsible Travel Service Providers
In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28 million international arrivals, solidifying its status as a favorite destination for international travelers. Thailand’s travel service provider landscape is as diverse as its visitors, ranging from internationally renowned companies like Intrepid to small, independent operators catering to everyday travelers to niche traveler segments.
While nearly all operators share a unified vision of showcasing Thailand’s beauty to the world, only a select few approach this mission through a sustainability-focused lens. Even fewer achieve commercial success while adhering to the triple bottom line—balancing people, planet, and profit as their guiding principle.
Inside Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map: Success Secrets from Thailand’s Hospitality Leaders
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in partnership with the U.S.-based NGO Tourism Cares, has taken steps to make purpose-driven tourism in Thailand more searchable and accessible to travelers and travel advisors alike.
They introduced 15 Thai Impact Partners to the Meaningful Travel map — a curated collection of businesses that meet stringent sustainability and social responsibility standards.
The Asia Sustainable Travel team visited Krabi to meet with the founders of two Meaningful Travel properties, Varana and Anana. The two visionary hoteliers shared insights into their motivations, their approach to blending purpose with profitability, and their vision for a more sustainable future in Asia’s travel industry.
Brand-Led Movement Seeks to Preserve Thailand’s Crown Jewel for Future Generations
Considered the crown jewel of Southern Thailand, Maya Bay became emblematic of overtourism’s destructive impact. Many quickly point to the 2000 movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the beginning of Maya Bay’s rise to the top of the must-visit list of travelers coming to Thailand.
Be One With Nature at Panchabhuta Retreat
Panchabhuta Retreat is an eco-friendly retreat located at the doorstep of the Aghanashini estuary and the cul-de-sac (dead-end street) of Nirvana Beach in Western Ghats, India. The entire place is designed to embrace the natural environment where it lies. But the true magic of the Retreat unfolds only when you visit it.
Is APAC’s Premier Travel Show Primed to Take Lead in Sustainability Transformation?
This Is Beyond brought Further East back to Seminyak, Bali for its 4th installment in November 2023. This was perhaps its largest gathering yet, connecting Asia’s world-class hotels and destinations with travel advisors and media from all around the world.
It was the Open House on day 1 that offered some of the most inspiring conversations of the entire 4-day show.
Kicking off this year’s theme, “Right here. Right now.”, the Open House featured an agenda of presentations and panel discussions guided by the principles of Inspire, Spark, and Progress.
Breaking Bamboo Boundaries: Elora Hardy's Visionary Nature-led Designs Redefine Luxury
The influence of the Hardys extends far beyond the deep blue waters surrounding the island of Bali. They garner international recognition for their ‘ecologically mindful’ bamboo structures in the sustainable design community.
One of the driving forces behind the Hardy family is Elora Hardy, the Founder and Creative Director of IBUKU, a cutting-edge design and architecture studio in Ubud. In her role, Elora has not only carved a niche for herself and her family’s business but has also elevated Bali's architectural landscape to new heights.
Navigating Sustainability in Vietnam's Hospitality & Travel Industry: Key Takeaways from AST Forum in Ho Chi Minh City
As the sun dipped below the bustling skyline of Ho Chi Minh City, the tranquil elegance of Bach Suites Saigon cast a warm glow upon the eager faces of travel and hospitality professionals who had gathered for the ASTB Mixer.
The event was no ordinary mixer, but a confluence of ideas on sustainable travel. The excitement was palpable as industry experts and enthusiastic newcomers came together, each carrying an air of curiosity and a shared commitment toward sustainability.
This article unfolds the enlightening encounters and key takeaways from an evening that proved to be more than just a casual meet-up but a harbinger of a sustainable future in Vietnam travel.
A Former Banker Bought an Island in Indonesia to Build a Retreat. What Happened Next Had Ripples of Positive Impact.
Initially seeking an island getaway from Singapore for his weekends, Andrew fortuitously stumbled upon the serene east coast of Bintan.
In 2004, Andrew embarked on an audacious adventure, joined by a handful of daring friends, as they set their sights on acquiring Nikoi Island.
Their shared aspiration was to create an idyllic sanctuary, a respite from the frenetic pace of Singapore, where individuals could reconnect with nature and embrace simplicity.
Although not formally trained in hospitality, Andrew possessed a deep understanding of what he desired as a discerning customer. He assumed the role of an empathetic guest to meticulously create an experience that resonated with his own heart.
What Andrew started has had a ripple of positive impact on the lives of so many including his 200-strong staff and the communities around the two islands.
Today, Nikoi Island is a Global Ecosphere Retreats®, the highest level of membership in The Long Run community, and Cempedak Island is a Fellow Member. Andrew and his team continue using The 4C Framework, centered on Community, Culture, Conservation, and Commerce as their guiding sustainability approach.
From Zero to Hero: The Journey of a Sustainable Travel Startup in Asia
Every hero's journey begins with a call to adventure, and for Nantapol Khaimuk, this call came from an unlikely place: a career in finance and banking. Like many business and finance graduates, he found himself striving towards the common career goal of working for a globally recognized consumer bank. But as he sat behind his computer screen day after day, he began to yearn for something more.
Inspired by his passion for travel and outdoor activities, Nantapol decided to shift from finance to adventure. The nature of banking, with its rewards heavily dependent on outside factors, wasn't aligning with his desired lifestyle. He longed to be outdoors, to travel, and to find a way to earn from this passion.
The decision to start his own business was both risky and exciting, but it allowed him to put his educational background and personal interests to the test. It was an unconventional beginning, a leap into the unknown.
Can Asia’s Sustainable Gastronomy Movement Keep Its Fire Going?
Indulging in sustainable gastronomy has emerged as more than a mere coincidence in Asia. With an ever-growing interest in conscious consumerism, people are awakening to the significance of supporting local businesses, fostering communities, and safeguarding the environment. At the forefront of this gastronomic transformation in Asia lies the farm-to-table movement, creating a direct and meaningful connection between producers and consumers and bringing people closer to their food. By forging a direct link between these two essential entities, the food industry could achieve enhanced traceability and transparency to procure ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Harmonizing Human Encounters & Conservation in Wildlife Tourism
Asia is a popular destination for wildlife tourism. From the majestic Asian elephant to the mighty Indonesian Komodo dragon, from the iconic Bornean orangutan to the regal Philippine eagle, the continent is full of breathtaking wildlife encounters that draw tourists from around the world. And yet, these opportunities come with great responsibility for hospitality and travel professionals to ensure that these wildlife experiences are ethical and sustainable.
Why The Future of Luxury Hotel in Asia Could Be 'Barefoot'
The travel and hospitality industry has witnessed a remarkable shift in recent years as a new kind of luxury experience emerges — one that celebrates sustainability, environmental consciousness, and a deep connection with nature without compromising on comfort or style. This emerging philosophy, known as "barefoot luxury," is redefining the traditional notion of luxury travel in Asia.
Can Regenerative Travel Revolutionize Southeast Asia’s Tourism?
Regenerative tourism promotes rejuvenation and renewal, rather than simply supporting what already exists. It’s taking form across Southeast Asia.
How Four Seasons and Park Hyatt Offer Sustainability-Led Guest Experiences?
Discerning Asian travelers consciously select hotels and experiences that contribute towards the well-being of local environment and communities.
How Six Senses Has Become Synonymous With Eco-Luxury Hospitality
Six Senses is synonymous with an eco-chic design that is authentic and timeless. Their properties are in harmony with natural and cultural landscapes.