The 8th annual PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) event will occur on September 2, 2024, at the stunning Angsana Laguna Phuket. This year’s gathering promises to be a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable tourism in Asia, featuring a remarkable lineup of visionary speakers, innovative workshops, and a showcase of pioneering sustainability solutions.

Leading the Charge in Green Advocacy

Andrew Dixon, a renowned sustainability advocate and former banker, will headline the event. As the owner and operator of the eco-friendly resorts Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island in Indonesia, Dixon has transformed his passion for conservation into actionable projects. His comprehensive approach encompasses conservation, cultural integration, community support, and commercial viability. Dixon’s session will delve into micro-financing for local communities, cultural preservation initiatives, and establishing educational facilities that have significantly impacted over 600 students.

Engaging and Inspiring Dialogues

David Johnson, the founder of Delivering Asia and a former journalist, will conduct an insightful interview with Andrew Dixon. Johnson strongly advocates for the travel industry’s potential to drive positive social change, making him the perfect host for this dialogue. The conversation is expected to uncover profound insights into how sustainable tourism can foster community development and economic growth while preserving the environment.

PHIST 2024 will occur at Angsana Laguna Phuket, a 5-star beachfront resort.

Highlighting Regional Sustainability Leaders

Among the distinguished speakers is Jerawan “Blue” Srepetchdanond, Director of Intrinsics, a firm known for its innovative contributions to sustainable urban development, including the acclaimed Forestias project in Bangkok. Srepetchdanond’s expertise and dedication to green building practices will provide attendees with valuable knowledge on sustainable development in urban settings.

A Hub for Learning and Innovation

PHIST 2024 will offer 18 workshops and learning platforms to educate new and seasoned sustainable tourism practitioners. The exhibition space will feature cutting-edge sustainability solutions from leading innovators such as Winnow, which leverages AI to reduce food waste, Diversey, a global leader in hygiene and cleaning solutions, and Escape Nomade, experts in eco-friendly outdoor accommodations.

Empowering the Industry

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and co-founding partner of PHIST, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s expanded learning opportunities. “We are excited to broaden the learning experience this year and establish ourselves as a leading regional platform for the industry. Our goal is to educate attendees not only about positive social and environmental changes but also about how these initiatives can positively impact their bottom line,” Barnett stated.

Collaborative Efforts

PHIST 2024 is organized by the Phuket Hotels Association in collaboration with co-founding partners C9 Hotelworks and Greenview. Prestigious organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce Thailand (AMCHAM), QUO, Creative Concept AV, and Thaiger Media support the event.

This event is a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of sustainable tourism. For more information and to register, visit PHIST 2024 Eventbrite.

PHIST 2024 is set to be a transformative experience, uniting leaders and learners in pursuing a sustainable future for tourism in Asia. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the change.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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