Latest news with #DamienPfirsch
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Agoda and GSTC Launch Free Digital Training Platform to Empower Hoteliers with Sustainability Skills
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), has launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a free digital training platform designed to equip current and aspiring hoteliers with practical sustainability tools and knowledge. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for sustainable accommodation options from increasingly sustainability-conscious travelers while driving transformation within Asia's hotel industry. The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers localized and tailored content to tackle the unique sustainability challenges faced by the region. The platform features interactive learning exercises, case studies, assessments, and discussion boards to create an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Learning modules focus on how to attract sustainability-minded guests and develop sustainability strategies with insights and case studies from hotels across Asia. Available in English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian, the platform ensures accessibility for a broad audience of hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia. The self-paced platform allows participants to complete training modules at their convenience, making it ideal for busy hospitality professionals. Upon successful completion, participants receive a completion certificate jointly issued by GSTC and Agoda, formally recognizing their enhanced sustainability knowledge and skills. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, shared, "Through the Sustainable Tourism Academy, Agoda and GSTC are equipping hoteliers to drive meaningful change within the industry. Agoda is committed to scaling up this initiative, and by offering this platform free of charge, we're making sustainability education accessible, practical, and impactful for everyone in the Asian hospitality sector, from kitchen staff to general managers." Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer at Global Sustainable Tourism Council, added, "By providing free access to practical, localized sustainability training, GSTC and Agoda are empowering hoteliers to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making sustainability not just an aspiration, but a standard practice across the region." The training content is built around the GSTC Standard, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. It covers key areas such as sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts. Developed by Agoda's Sustainability Team and GSTC and its trainers, including CB Ramkumar (Vice Chair, GSTC), Mochamad Nalendra (CEO, Wise Steps Consulting), and Catherine Germier-Hamel (CEO, Destination Mekong), the content combines diverse expertise and real-world insights from leaders in the field. The platform was officially launched on Friday, 30 May, at an event in Bangkok, Thailand, which brought together over a hundred Southeast Asian hospitality professionals for in-depth conversations on emerging trends and challenges in sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Academy is free of charge and accessible to everyone, underscoring Agoda and GSTC's commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for all in travel. To explore the platform, visit
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Agoda and GSTC Launch Free Digital Training Platform to Empower Hoteliers with Sustainability Skills
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), has launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a free digital training platform designed to equip current and aspiring hoteliers with practical sustainability tools and knowledge. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for sustainable accommodation options from increasingly sustainability-conscious travelers while driving transformation within Asia's hotel industry. The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers localized and tailored content to tackle the unique sustainability challenges faced by the region. The platform features interactive learning exercises, case studies, assessments, and discussion boards to create an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Learning modules focus on how to attract sustainability-minded guests and develop sustainability strategies with insights and case studies from hotels across Asia. Available in English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian, the platform ensures accessibility for a broad audience of hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia. The self-paced platform allows participants to complete training modules at their convenience, making it ideal for busy hospitality professionals. Upon successful completion, participants receive a completion certificate jointly issued by GSTC and Agoda, formally recognizing their enhanced sustainability knowledge and skills. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, shared, "Through the Sustainable Tourism Academy, Agoda and GSTC are equipping hoteliers to drive meaningful change within the industry. Agoda is committed to scaling up this initiative, and by offering this platform free of charge, we're making sustainability education accessible, practical, and impactful for everyone in the Asian hospitality sector, from kitchen staff to general managers." Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer at Global Sustainable Tourism Council, added, "By providing free access to practical, localized sustainability training, GSTC and Agoda are empowering hoteliers to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making sustainability not just an aspiration, but a standard practice across the region." The training content is built around the GSTC Standard, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. It covers key areas such as sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts. Developed by Agoda's Sustainability Team and GSTC and its trainers, including CB Ramkumar (Vice Chair, GSTC), Mochamad Nalendra (CEO, Wise Steps Consulting), and Catherine Germier-Hamel (CEO, Destination Mekong), the content combines diverse expertise and real-world insights from leaders in the field. The platform was officially launched on Friday, 30 May, at an event in Bangkok, Thailand, which brought together over a hundred Southeast Asian hospitality professionals for in-depth conversations on emerging trends and challenges in sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Academy is free of charge and accessible to everyone, underscoring Agoda and GSTC's commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for all in travel. To explore the platform, visit --- ENDS --- View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Agoda and Macao Government Tourism Office Join Forces to Showcase Macao's Unique Charms
SINGAPORE, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has partnered with Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) to showcase the Special Administrative Region as a must-visit destination for international travelers. Macao, celebrated as a 'Culture City of East Asia 2025,' is well placed to attract global travelers with its luxury accommodation, distinctive cultural experiences and world-class entertainment. Running from March till November 2025, the partnership aims to increase Macao's global visibility with international travelers through discounts on hotel accommodations alongside influential multimedia promotions on the Agoda platform. The campaign will underscore Macao's rich cultural heritage while showcasing its position as an attractive and modern destination for top events, entertainment, and cuisine. "Macao is a great blend of historic charm and modern flair, and we are delighted to play a role in bringing its charms to an international audience of travelers," said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda. "We are delighted to be partnering with MGTO on this campaign where our digital platform and global network will highlight the diverse destinations and rich culture of Macao." Named a 'Culture City of East Asia 2025,' the designation highlights Macao's unique role in fostering a cultural exchange across East Asia through festivals, exhibitions, and artistic endeavors, complemented by its reputation for offering luxury hospitality and world class entertainment. This year, Macao emerged once again as the global capital for five-star hotels in the Forbes Travel Guide while many of its restaurants come in for special mention in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macao 2025, including 19 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants. "With its unique cultural legacy and global appeal, Macao has so much to offer. MGTO is delighted to work with Agoda to offer unforgettable travel experiences to a wide range of global travelers. With our well-earned reputation for amazing food, wonderful accommodation and unforgettable cultural experiences, they will not be disappointed." added Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director - Macao Government Tourism Office This new collaboration will also focus attention on Macao's signature events, including the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, the Macao Grand Prix, the 15th National Games (Macao), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (Macao), and the return of its famed aquatic show, the House of Dancing Water. The partnership between MGTO and Agoda highlights a shared goal to create memorable travel experiences and Agoda's global network of accommodations, flights, and activities connects travelers with Macao's vibrant offerings. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda
