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.
How to Empower Your Team to Champion Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
A simple yet powerful shift towards sustainability can transform your business into an eco-friendly powerhouse. But this isn't just about swapping plastic straws for paper or reducing water usage. It's about building a team that understands and embraces the core principles of sustainability — a team that is ready to lead a sustainability revolution in hospitality and tourism.
And this journey begins with effective sustainability training for your employees — equipping your staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to drive this change.
But how can you cultivate this holistic mindset within your team to meet the growing demand of eco-conscious guests, stand out from the crowd, and put your business on the right track to a sustainable future?
We interviewed hospitality industry leaders, educators, and practitioners to shed light on this topic.
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.
Unlocking Sustainable Travel: Slow Down, Stay Long, and Tap into Asia’s Pivotal Role
In today's fast-paced world, the allure of instant gratification often overshadows the beauty of the present moment. Slow travel, an antidote to this rush, invites us to savor the magic of a destination. It aligns perfectly with sustainability by encouraging immersive experiences over hurried checklists or bucket lists.
Tour Operators: Vanguards of Change for the Travel Sector in Times of Uncertainty
In an era where sustainability has become existentially important, the travel and tourism sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroads: innovate or stagnate, or worse yet deteriorate.
Beyond producing viral Instagram posts and Tiktok reels about dreamy destinations, tour operators can serve as industry stalwarts to orchestrate a harmony of business innovation, social responsibility, and environmental conservation.
Tour operators' ability to innovate, educate, and lead by example will shape the trajectory of travel. But some may wonder where to begin.
Sustainable Luxury: An Oxymoron or Consequential Bedfellows?
Critics argue that the very existence of the sustainable luxury concept is an oxymoron as the industry is often associated with high levels of consumption and resource use contributing to carbon emissions and ecological degradation. At the same time, many in the luxury sector believe that they can be the catalyst of change. With their significant influence and affluent clientele, these brands have the power to set trends and shape consumer behavior.