Phuket, Thailand, 20 July 2023—The highly anticipated PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) event, Southeast Asia’s largest sustainability gathering for the travel and hospitality industries, will take place on 4 September 2023 at SAii Laguna Phuket.
The full-day forum promises to be electrifying, featuring 16 workshops and exclusive “fireside chats” with two industry visionaries.
KP Ho, the esteemed founder of Banyan Tree Group and a true pioneer in the sustainable travel and tourism movement, will headline the event.
Joining him is Bill Bensley, a renowned community advocate, artist, and hotel designer known for his environmentally conscious designs.
Bill Barnett, the organizer of PHIST, will interview Bill Bensley, while David Johnson of Delivering Asia Communications will be privileged to interview KP Ho.
Since its inception, PHIST 6 has garnered immense popularity. It is a collaborative effort by Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks, and Greenview.
With a massive turnout of approximately 1,000 travel and hospitality professionals expected, this year’s event promises to be a unique learning opportunity for attendees across the Asia Pacific.
KP Ho’s Journey
KP Ho’s journey as a journalist turned hotelier is remarkable.
Recognizing the significance of sustainability long before it became a mainstream buzzword, he played a crucial role in transforming Laguna Phuket from a barren moonscape scarred by tin mining into Southeast Asia’s premier integrated resort development.
This laid the foundation for the world’s first luxurious and eco-sensitive Banyan Tree resort, which featured innovative pool villas, in 1994.
Under his guidance, the Banyan Tree Group has grown to encompass over 100 hotels and resorts, all while supporting conservation and community development through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation.
Best known as an Architect, Interior Designer, and Landscape Designer, Bill Bensley, a stalwart in the industry for three decades, is renowned for designing some of Asia’s most outstanding and award-winning hotels.
With deep reverence for the environment and a focus on purpose-driven design, Bill Bensley’s projects showcase his commitment to sustainability.
At PHIST 6, he will share his personal journey and philosophy with a select audience of just 100 guests per session.
Industry Pioneer KP Ho and Bill Bensley
PHIST 6 offers attendees various learning opportunities, including 16 immersive workshops covering key and emerging green topics such as waste management, renewable energy, certification, women leaders in sustainability, and glamping.
Moreover, a “Green Think Tank” roundtable led by Jesper Palmqvist, STR Global’s Area Director for Asia Pacific, will bring together representatives from various islands to discuss sustainable practices in the region.
The event will also feature an “Eco Travel Show,” where exhibitors specializing in outdoor activities, such as glamping, will showcase their eco-friendly products.
For those interested in the origins of food, a “Farm-to-Table” workshop will offer insights from two Michelin-starred restaurants in Phuket.
The “Women in Leadership” session will also address gender equality in the industry.
Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of the Phuket Hotels Association, expressed excitement for PHIST’s return and stressed its significance as Southeast Asia’s premier sustainability event.
The forum’s mission is to challenge traditional ideas, promote learning, and inspire industry professionals to adopt sustainable practices.
Sponsors for PHIST 6 include New Capital Energy Asia, Central CPN, Blue Tree, XCO2, Banyan Tree Phuket, and SAii Laguna Phuket. Greenery Water, JCD Coffee, and FullMoon Brewery provide beverages.
The event enjoys additional support from like-minded partners, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Hotels Association (THA), Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), Thailand Organic Certificate Association (TOCA), American Chamber of Commerce Thailand, QUO, Laguna Phuket, and Delivering Asia Communications.
For more information about PHIST 6 and to register for the event, please visit the official website at phist.phukethotelsassociation.com or register directly here.
