Approximately 30 green exhibitors are also expected to attend PHIST 5, which includes workshops, green product expos, inspiring talks, and a chance to get in the ring and discuss a wide range of topics relating to environmental and social sustainability.

Like previous editions of PHIST, this year’s event aims to challenge the status quo and bring about practical, actionable solutions for tourism operators. Experts from local and international organisations will come together to highlight the most important issues facing the industry and local communities alike. Running from 9:00am to 6:00pm, this high-energy event is free to enter and open to the public.

This year’s agenda will focus on topics including destination development, ocean health, hotel sustainability, community tourism, and global trends on sustainability. Workshops will be hosted on subjects such as “Green Finance for Hotels”, “Zero Waste Hotels” and “Materials for Sustainable Tourism”.

A core focus of PHIST 5 is people and culture. The notion of sustainability has pivoted in recent years to focus on solutions that not only address environmental issues, but also social aspects and governance. Community impact is the new mantra, according to PHIST co-founder and co-organiser, Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks.

Eric Ricaurte, founder & CEO of Greenview, commented: “Travel and tourism play a paramount role in sustainable development, and hotels are evolving their best practices in order to create more sustainable solutions for their properties and local communities.

“Prior to the pandemic, mindsets were changing. Now, with travel and tourism at a crossroads, people are wanting more local and ‘slow life’ experiences that connect them with their chosen destination. Our workshops are designed to discuss and implement best practices for hotels that will not only strengthen their sustainability objectives, but also bring them closer to the local community.”

The main event of this year’s PHIST is “Rumble in the Jungle”, six bouts with two speakers on a single subject, culminating in a battle of the heavyweights. Engaging and energetic, these bouts will highlight environmental sustainability, social impact and governance.

“PHIST is really highlighting sustainability with this year’s event, and the entire all-day conference is set to be insightful, informative and of course, high-energy,” said Bjorn Courage, President of Phuket Hotels Association. “All of us at Phuket Hotels Association are looking forward to welcoming a mix of local and international experts for meaningful discussions. Plus, it is fantastic that the event is back in person!”

“A core focus at the upcoming PHIST 5 is about people and culture. The notion that sustainability is about products has hit the wall and the sharp pivot to ESG which not only addresses the environment, but social aspects and governance is the new mantra” said PHIST co-founder and co-organizer Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks

Organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, Greenview and C9 Hotelworks, with support from the American Chamber of Commerce Thailand, QUO and Delivering Asia Communications, PHIST 5 is a free-to-attend full-day forum that features highly informative sessions and networking opportunities. The event is brought to you by sponsors who are aligned in their sustainability goals, including BanpuNEXT, Indorama Ventures, Blue Tree Phuket, GIZ, QUO, Delivering Asia Communications, XC02, Teak Timber Phuket, Dusit College Bangkok, Laguna Management Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket and Thaiger.

PHIST 5 runs from 9:00am to 6:00pm on 26th September 2022.
Post-event networking drinks until 7:00pm will be sponsored by Fullmoon Brewery, Wine on Tap, Cocktails on Tap, Chalong Bay Rum, Italasia and Travel Daily.

Attendance is complimentary but pre-registration is required. Only those with a confirmed Eventbrite QR code along with proof of at least two COVID vaccinations will be allowed entry. Registered delegates are also requested to follow SHA guidelines.

To register for this event, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/phuket-hotels-for-islands-sustaining-tourism-phist-5-tickets-300536220927

About PHIST 2022
The fifth annual PHIST 2022; Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism, to be held on Monday, 26 September 2022 at the ACES Angsana Laguna Phuket Resort. PHIST is an innovative event rallying the hotel industry and its stakeholders to discuss environmental sustainability and community benefit. Latest in person PHIST event in 2019 before COVID-19 pandemic drew over 1000 delegates and this year we’re estimating for similar number: with strategic partners such as TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) and TCEB (Thailand Convention and Events Bureau) and other stakeholders also organising affiliate events and meetings in tandem.

The event will convene regional experts from the public and private sector from dozens of organizations and is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, intended to synergize global expertise with Thailand stakeholders. Co-organised by Phuket Hotels Association, Greenview and C9 Hotelworks; the Phuket Hotels Association is a non-profit organization with over 80 member hotels and resorts, comprising small boutique hotels to large luxury international chains who have joined together to promote Phuket as a destination, together with a number of important activities, each with its own working group of Hotel General Managers that oversee the following: Environment & Sustainability; Education and Destination Marketing.