Preparing Hospitality’s Next Leaders at the AST Forum in Manila
This February 2025, the Asia Sustainable Travel (AST) Forum launched the AST Forum for Next-Gen Leaders, which focuses on students as future drivers of the tourism and hospitality industry. This new initiative complements the existing AST Forum for industry professionals by involving the students in discussions and equipping them with knowledge and actionable strategies.
Held at Far Eastern University in Manila, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site known for its preserved Art Deco structures, the forum brought together over 400 students, faculty members, and industry experts.
These young leaders engaged in meaningful discussions under the theme "Driving Change with Smart Tech, Sustainable City Experiences, and Transportation Solutions for Responsible Travel and Hospitality."
The setting for the first AST Forum for Next-Gen Leaders couldn’t have been more meaningful. FEU received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage in 2005 for preserving Art Deco buildings.
The Role of Technology in Sustainable Tourism
The tourism industry accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, and hotels are among the biggest energy users, with 30% of energy wasted, according to Rolly Sison, Buildings Segment Leader of Schneider Electric Philippines.
"Hotels consume 50% more energy than similarly-sized residential buildings, despite average occupancy rates of just 55%. Guest rooms, unoccupied 70% of the time, still make up 40 to 80% of a hotel’s total energy use,” he shared.
Screenshots from Rolly Sison’s presentation
Existing technologies present an opportunity to reverse this trend by removing 70% of carbon emissions. Digital and technology renovations can reduce energy use by up to 40%.
He also highlighted the shift to renewable energy, emphasizing that electrification is key to decarbonization.
Screenshots from Rolly Sison’s presentation
For students, Sison stressed the importance of integrating these innovations into their future careers. "As future leaders in the tourism industry, you have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on our planet. The choices you make today will shape the future of sustainable tourism."
Driving Seamless Experiences with Smart Hotel Rooms
Belle Cruz, Managing Director of BB8 Consultancy, Inc., discussed how hotels are integrating technology to deliver personalized guest experiences and improve operations while aligning with sustainability goals.
Screenshot from Belle Cruz’s presentation
Enhancing Guest Stays
Cruz explained how smart hotel technology simplifies and elevates the guest’s stay, from pre-arrival to post-checkout.
“You can check in through your phone via QR code. By the time you arrive, your room is already prepared according to your preferences—no time wasted at the reception.”
Voice-activated assistance like Alexa offers convenience and takes personalization even further. Guests can ask Alexa to adjust the lighting to match their mood, play their favorite playlist, or even order room service. Beyond convenience, smart technologies also contribute to sustainability by optimizing energy use—adjusting room utilities to guest preferences, and reducing unnecessary consumption.
Improving Operations
On the operational side, smart hotel technology streamlines workflows and improves productivity. Housekeeping teams can respond directly to alerts like "Clean my room," enabling faster, more efficient service.
Dynamic pricing based on occupancy trends and guest preferences helps make informed decisions that boost profitability.
Cruz emphasized that technology should enhance, not replace, human connection.
“Wi-Fi is not the supreme connection,” she said. “It’s you—the next leaders of this industry.”
Screenshot from Belle Cruz’s presentation
Taking Action Toward Sustainable Urban Tourism
Eden Decano, Group Director of Finance at Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), shared a personal and inspiring look into her sustainability journey. Initially approaching the topic with a finance-focused mindset, Decano admitted that she once viewed sustainability as a cost-heavy obligation. A World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) panel discussion changed her perspective. "At that meeting, I realized sustainability isn’t just about costs—it’s about creating value for people, communities, and the environment,” Decano reflected.
Shifting Toward Renewable Energy
MHR transitioned from coal to renewable energy across its properties, cutting carbon emissions and reducing energy costs by 16%. This shift demonstrates how sustainability can align with financial efficiency.
Reducing Waste and Conserving Resources
The company repurposes old linens, glass containers, and other materials, reducing landfill waste. Water dispensers have replaced single-use plastic bottles in several properties, with plans to expand this initiative across its portfolio.
Water conservation is also prioritized through rainwater catchment systems installed in newer properties such as Grand Westside Hotel and Belmont Mactan. In addition, motion-sensitive lighting is used in parking areas to save electricity.
Reviving the Sampaguita
MHR has revitalized the cultural and economic value of the Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower. Beyond planting it across properties, the flower is integrated into guest experiences through Sampaguita-inspired dishes, drinks, and scents.
Community projects amplify this effort. Partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Project Pearls include cultivating Sampaguita plants and offering skills training to create products from the flower, providing additional income for local communities.
Decano emphasized MHR’s outreach efforts as an essential part of their sustainability program. She explained, “Sustainability is about involving people and building partnerships. It's about doing what’s meaningful for local communities.”
Engaging Employees in Sustainability
MHR involves employees in sustainability through initiatives like vegetable gardens, which supply fresh produce for cafeterias and restaurants. These gardens reduce reliance on external suppliers while promoting sustainable food practices.
The company also promotes a workplace culture of collaboration and well-being through its "Circle of Happiness" program, which encourages balance between work, community, and personal growth.
“Sustainability is about stewardship. It’s taking what was entrusted to us—resources, culture, relationships—and ensuring they are enriched, not depleted, for future generations,” Decano concluded.
In collaboration with Project Pearls, MHR organized a Sampaguita planting activity in Bulacan, donating 300 seedlings sourced from Megaworld Corporation’s Central Nursery. The event also featured a series of Sampaguita-themed interactive workshops, including storytelling sessions, coloring activities, a feeding program, lei-making, and even crafting Sampaguita-flavored polvoron. These initiatives brought the community together to celebrate creativity, culture, and connection.
Sustainable Transportation and Its Role in Tourism
Transportation plays a major role in making tourism sustainable. It’s not just about getting people from one place to another—it’s about how these movements impact the environment, local communities, and the overall travel experience. Roberto Belda, Head of Expansions at Xpress, shared how practical transportation programs can address these challenges.
Strengthening Local Transport Systems and Supporting Local Economies
Xpress, a Filipino-owned company, is partnering with local government units (LGUs), local cooperatives, and e-trike drivers in destinations like Boracay to modernize local transport. This initiative provides drivers with stable incomes and tourists with reliable, eco-friendly rides.
To address long-standing issues like fare overcharging, Xpress introduced a transparent pricing model that passengers can rely on, ensuring they only pay what’s shown on the app.
The rent-to-own motorbike program has also opened doors for aspiring drivers who couldn’t afford their own vehicles. Flexible payment terms allow participants to work toward ownership, creating sustainable livelihoods.
Screenshots from Roberto Belda’s presentation
Shifting Gears to Electric Vehicles
Xpress is rolling out its plans to make 20% of its fleet electric by 2025. Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce air and noise pollution, benefitting the environment and improving the visitor experience.
He also emphasized the impact of government policies, such as tax incentives and traffic coding exemptions for EVs, in driving adoption. Traffic coding exemptions, while potential potentially increasing the number of cars on the road, are a key part of the government’s strategy to promote EVs and highlight their environmental benefits.
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion
Sustainability in tourism requires more than advanced tech. It needs alignment with practical goals and local realities. IoT, for instance, can slash energy waste by 40% in unoccupied hotel rooms, but achieving this impact depends on cost management and staff buy-in.
IoT can proactively manage energy, water, and waste. It can identify leaks, inefficiencies, or the best times for waste collection to cut emissions and reduce resource waste.
Technology needs to be paired with genuine care. “Technology will always be there, but it’s up to us to believe we’re doing it for something positive,” Rolly Sison reminded students, stressing the importance of balancing technical expertise with a passion for sustainability.
Automation and personal interactions must coexist. Belle Cruz pointed out that while guests value automation, they still crave authentic, human connections.
Training programs and dialogue are key to adopting travel tech. "Many drivers worried the technology would disturb their earnings,” Roberto Belda shared. However, empowering workers with the knowledge and tools to adopt new systems ensures smoother tech integration without disrupting livelihoods.
Team buy-in drives sustainability success. Eden Decano highlighted that employees need to believe in initiatives for them to succeed. Commitment within teams, combined with guest participation, not only makes a difference but can also reduce costs.
Small steps lead to big impact. Decano shared easy practices, such as using a glass while brushing teeth and refusing single-use plastics. Rolly Sison added that simple actions like bringing a reusable water bottle can inspire broader cultural and behavioral change.
Practical Steps for Future Leaders
Sison shared actionable steps for students to embed sustainability into their career foundations.
Learn and advocate. Understand sustainable practices and promote them in your community.
Support eco-conscious initiatives. Encourage and support businesses that prioritize sustainability. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, and activities that minimize environmental impact.
Innovate and implement. Use your creativity and skills to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability.
Lead by example. Be a model for sustainable tourism. Adopt habits that reduce your carbon footprint.
Collaborate and network. Work with like-minded individuals and organizations to create a collective impact.
