Record Attendance at PHIST 2025
The eighth annual Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST), Asia’s largest sustainability event for the tourism sector, saw over 1,300 attendees from various regions.
During the event, government officials and industry leaders emphasized the urgency of embedding community-driven sustainability into travel and tourism offerings to attract a new generation of travelers.
Discussions highlighted the necessity for hotels and tourism operators to collaborate with local communities, enhancing travel programs to adapt to changing traveler preferences and rejuvenate Thailand’s declining tourism sector.
Organized by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks, and Greenview, PHIST 2025 showcased that sustainability has transformed from a trendy topic into a critical business strategy in Asian tourism.
With record participation and a sharper community impact focus, the message became clear: operators need to assist local communities for continued success.
Collaboration and Innovation
Held at the Angsana Laguna Phuket resort, the conference included over 25 impactful sessions, a sustainable fashion show, a farm-to-table demonstration, and awards acknowledging best practices in sustainability.
The Sandbox initiative during the Covid pandemic exemplified successful collaboration between public and private sectors, demonstrating the significance of strategic partnerships moving forward.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat called for more robust local governance and sustainable planning in tourism. He mentioned four key focus areas: green spaces, infrastructure, sustainability, and creating a Phuket Special Administrative Zone.
William E. Heinecke, upon receiving the Green Giant Award, emphasized his company’s commitment to sustainability through its framework of People, Nature, and Responsible Business. He stated, “By 2030, we aim to help three million people through workforce development and community engagement.”
Furthermore, Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks pointed out the opportunity for Thailand to reset its tourism strategy by refocusing on community engagement, stating, “This is the new battleground for the industry.”
