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Asia’s largest tourism sustainability forum, PHIST 2025, set new records today as more than 1,300 delegates gathered in Phuket, up from 900 last year. The conference, held at Angsana Laguna Phuket, spotlighted the urgent need for the island to balance rapid growth with sustainability and called for long-overdue action on infrastructure, housing, and governance.

In its 8th year, PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) has grown into a flagship platform where hoteliers, policy makers, community leaders and innovators tackle the environmental and social issues shaping Asia’s hospitality industry. The 2025 edition featured 25 sessions, a sustainable fashion show, a farm-to-table showcase, and an awards programme recognising best practices in sustainability.

Phuket’s Future Hinges on Special Economic Zone Status

Phuket Governor Khun Sophon Suwannarat

Phuket Governor Khun Sophon stressed in his keynote that Phuket’s tourism future depends on decisive action from both central and local government. He reaffirmed calls for Phuket to be granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status, allowing the island to act more independently when budgeting for planning, infrastructure, and environmental regulation.

“For too long we have spoken about transport links between the airport and southern Phuket, yet nothing has happened,” the Governor said. “Without SEZ status, we cannot address these issues quickly or effectively. Our future competitiveness depends on it.”

The Governor also revealed that four new water treatment plants are under construction, with five more in the pipeline. However, he cautioned that these projects cannot be completed unless Bangkok allocates adequate budgets. “Phuket generates more than 400 billion baht for the national economy each year, yet we are given only 170 million baht for local development,” he said. “This imbalance is unsustainable. If Phuket is to continue to drive the country’s tourism revenues, we must be allowed to harvest the benefits of SEZ designation and control our own resources.”

Housing Development Puts Pressure on the Island

Alongside transport and water concerns, the Phuket administration has announced that up to 60,000 new housing units are expected to be approved in the next few years. This wave of construction risks overwhelming infrastructure and adding stress to the island’s already fragile environment.

PHIST speakers urged that housing plans be aligned with sustainability goals, warning that unchecked expansion could erode Phuket’s appeal as a tourism destination.

Industry Leaders Call for Action

Mr William ‘Bill’ Heineke

William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, which operates more than 640 hotels in 65 countries, echoed the call for Phuket to secure SEZ ratification. “Phuket needs the ability to plan, fund, and implement its own infrastructure solutions. Without this, tourism and community life will both suffer,” he said.

Mr Heinecke was honoured with the Green Giant Award for his leadership in sustainable hospitality. He also highlighted Minor’s long-term commitments: “Our framework is built on three pillars – People, Nature and Responsible Business. By 2030 we will support 3 million people through workforce development and community engagement.”

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and a founding organiser of PHIST, told delegates that Thailand’s tourism industry is at a tipping point. “Thailand has a chance to reset. Community engagement and positive social outcomes can no longer be left behind. This is the new battleground for our industry.”

A Record Turnout, A Clear Message

With more than 1,300 delegates, the largest attendance in the event’s history, PHIST 2025 demonstrated the urgency of the sustainability debate. Hoteliers, investors, and community leaders alike agreed that Phuket’s long-term success depends on transport improvements, more innovative housing development, investment in water treatment, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The conference reminded delegates of past successes, such as Phuket’s Sandbox programme during the Covid pandemic, which pioneered Thailand’s reopening to international visitors. Speakers emphasised that the same spirit of collaboration must now be applied to sustainability and infrastructure.

Building a Sustainable Tourism Future

Organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview, PHIST 2025 is supported by leading hospitality brands including Pan Pacific Hotels, Winnow, Luxury Escapes, Tuu, Delivering Asia, QUO, and SaiYok Springs.

As sustainability moves from buzzword to business imperative, PHIST 2025 delivered a strong call to action: hotels cannot thrive unless their host communities do too.

To learn more, visit phist.phukethotelsassociation.com.