The highly anticipated PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) event returns this September, poised to revolutionize the sustainability dialogue within Southeast Asia’s travel and hospitality sectors. Organized by the Phuket Hotels Association, this year’s theme, “One on One: Sustainability from the Top,” emphasizes the critical role of senior executives in fostering a forward-thinking corporate culture that champions environmental stewardship.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Industry Leaders

PHIST 2024 will feature an array of industry titans and innovators, headlined by Peng Sum Choe, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Under Choe’s leadership, the Pan Pacific Hotels Group has seamlessly integrated sustainability into its core operations, earning the prestigious Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Multi-Site certification for all its Singapore properties. Choe’s insights on green leadership will be a cornerstone of the event, offering invaluable perspectives on how businesses can align profitability with environmental responsibility.

Joining Choe is Jesper Palmqvist, Senior Director – Asia Pacific for hospitality analysts STR. Palmqvist will bring his extensive expertise to the fore, discussing the strategic importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. Their dialogue promises to shed light on the intricate balance between maintaining high service standards and achieving environmental goals.

Empowering the Next Generation

Angsana Laguna Phuket, a 5-star beachfront resort, is the venue of PHIST 2024.

Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of the Phuket Hotels Association, will also take centre stage to introduce the Green Planet School Farm Project. This groundbreaking initiative aims to nurture future leaders in organic farming, equipping the younger generation with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable agricultural practices. MacDougall’s presentation will highlight the project’s successes and potential to create a ripple effect across the region’s agricultural sector.

An Immersive and Interactive Experience

Scheduled for September 2nd, 2024, at the Angsana Laguna Phuket, PHIST is designed to be more than just a conference. Attendees can expect a dynamic and engaging experience featuring 18 workshops, career development sessions, and numerous networking opportunities. The event will encourage participants to challenge traditional mindsets and develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental and community issues.

Last year, PHIST drew over 1,000 attendees, underscoring its status as a pivotal forum for sustainability in the region. The 2024 edition aims to build on this success, offering even more comprehensive discussions and actionable insights.

Driving Change Through Collaboration

“Sustainability is a crucial issue, especially for island communities like Phuket. PHIST provides a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. I am eager to share my experiences and learn from the innovative solutions presented by others,” remarked Peng Sum Choe, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

Jayne MacDougall echoed this sentiment: “We are thrilled to have Peng Sum Choe and Jesper Palmqvist as our headline speakers. Their combined expertise will inspire our guests to create sustainable business futures.”

Join the Movement

PHIST 2024 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone committed to driving sustainability in travel and hospitality. For more information about the Phuket Hotels Association and to register for the event, please call +66 (0) 8 9645 2576, email info@phukethotelsassociation.com, or visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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