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Southeast Asia’s Tourism Titans Neglect Golden Opportunities in Green Practices.

In the shimmering landscape of Southeast Asian tourism, a significant oversight emerges the profound potential of sustainable practices or the so-called “green premium.”

According to industry stalwarts, hotels and resorts across Southeast Asia appear to lag behind their global counterparts in harnessing the allure of sustainable tourism. This revelation took centre stage at the Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST), Southeast Asia’s premier sustainability forum. The gathering, which took place at SAii Laguna, attracted over a thousand attendees.

Bill Barnett, C9 Hotelworks’ managing director, remarked, “While European and North American hotel developers prioritize sustainability, there’s an evident chasm in Southeast Asia’s approach.” Barnett’s sentiments were echoed by luminaries like designer Bill Bensley and KP Ho, founder of Banyan Tree Holdings and Laguna Resorts. Both underscored the imperative of recognizing the broader benefits tethered to eco-friendly tourism.

PHIST co-organisers, C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett and Greenview Founder and CEO Eric Ricaurte

So, what does this entail? Adopting green initiatives such as waste management, energy conservation, endorsing farm-to-fork dining, patronizing local organic producers, and bolstering community ties. Beyond building goodwill and cost-cutting, such endeavours amplify an establishment’s appeal for discerning guests who treasure unique, ethical, and sustainable experiences.

Jesper Palmqvist, STR Global’s Area Director for Asia Pacific, opined that the region’s hospitality sector needs an aggressive green revolution. He stated, “Green champions and best practices documentation should be the industry’s clarion call. An international certification of sustainability would exemplify their commitment and proactive adaptation.”

The gathering at PHIST was a symposium of ideas, with sustainability stalwarts debating ways to tap into the opportunities of green tourism. KP Ho’s journey, transforming Laguna Phuket from an uninhabitable wasteland into Southeast Asia’s top integrated resort, was particularly noteworthy. Similarly, Bill Bensley’s ventures, such as Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia, epitomize luxury coexisting harmoniously with nature, using revenue to combat poaching, mining, and deforestation.

Beyond the pressing discourse on leveraging the “green premium,” the PHIST forum was abuzz with 16 workshops and over 30 exhibitors covering themes like circular economy, green financing, glamping, eco-friendly hotel design, Greentech innovation, and more.

Adding another feather to the sustainability cap, the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) was birthed just before the PHIST event. Its objective is clear: sculpting the future of the burgeoning outdoor lodging sector in the region and championing sustainable hospitality paradigms. APOLA invites stakeholders to further this collective endeavour, underlining the region’s commitment to a greener tomorrow.

In essence, Southeast Asia’s hospitality magnates face a green gold rush. Embracing sustainable practices isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also a lucrative investment for the future. The question remains: Will they seize the moment or let the opportunity slip through their fingers? Only time will tell.