Latest news with #GSTC
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
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Singapore EXPO is pioneer awardee of Platinum Certification for MICE Sustainability, setting a new industry benchmark
SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore EXPO, managed by Constellar, has become a pioneer awardee of the prestigious Platinum Certification under the MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) framework developed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS). This certification at the Platinum level has attained Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised status, aligning with the GSTC MICE Criteria Version 1.0 supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) with Singapore EXPO being part of the Early Adopter Program of the GSTC MICE Criteria. The MSC rewards excellence in event sustainability across environmental, social, and governance pillars. The Platinum certification, introduced in November 2024, represents the highest tier of sustainability recognition through a rigorous evaluation of the sustainability practices of venues and event organisers against global standards. This recognition underscores Singapore EXPO's commitment to being a leading venue in spearheading sustainability in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and its leadership in sustainable operations. Raising the Bar in Sustainability Excellence From clean energy and smart buildings to zero-waste solutions and responsible food practices, Singapore EXPO's sustainability journey across 26 years reflects its core values of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Key achievements and best practices include transitioning to renewable energy sources, the implementation of advanced waste management systems, and adopting energy-efficient technologies. "Exhibitions bring global communities together, fostering new connections, ideas, businesses, and partnerships that can shape the future. Constellar has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a force for good, driving collaboration and galvanising collective action for sustainable growth and positive impact." said Chua Wee Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Constellar. In the past 25 years, Singapore EXPO has hosted over 100 million visitors and approximately 12,000 events. It hosted about 400 events last year. He added: "Being a sustainable venue is a key differentiator for events and can significantly scale impact across the industry. Singapore EXPO is proud to continue pioneering continuous innovation in sustainable venue operations and fostering active collaboration with partners across the MICE industry, as Asia's Most Sustainable MICE Venue powered by renewable energy." Pioneering a Green Future for Events With this certification, Singapore EXPO reaffirms its commitment to being a hub for sustainable innovation. As the global MICE industry continues to evolve, the venue remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class facilities while prioritising environmental stewardship and social responsibility. "Congratulations to Constellar on achieving the Platinum tier under the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC)," said Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS. "This is the highest accolade that sets a new benchmark for the industry—paving the way for deeper sustainability integration and elevating best practices across the MICE landscape. We commend Constellar's continued commitment to raising the bar and shaping a more responsible, future-ready industry. I hope this milestone encourages more organisations to embark on their own sustainability journey and collectively uplift the standards of excellence in our industry." Looking ahead, Singapore EXPO continues to contribute to Singapore's Green Plan 2030 by expanding renewable energy sources, enhancing green infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism. In particular, the installation of additional solar panels before the end of the year will enable power 75% of Singapore EXPO's overall consumption to be powered by renewable energy, as well as a corresponding 75% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2025, when compared to pre-COVID baselines. Learn more about Singapore EXPO's sustainability initiatives and how it's Going Green here. Home to some of the greatest leading events in the world, Singapore EXPO is the country's largest purpose-built meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) venue. We are your playground of possibilities, where ideas collide, business leaders unite and connections flow. With interconnected event spaces spanning 10 halls and 32 meeting rooms across 123,000 sqm, indoors to outdoors, our versatile venue is ready for events of any proportions. As a trusted venue partner with over twenty years of exhibition and event experience, Singapore EXPO challenges the norm and pioneers ground-breaking solutions that elevate your event experience to greater heights. Visit for more information. About Constellar Constellar is Asia's preferred partner for convening businesses, curating ideas and creating opportunities for sustainable business growth and global impact. Based in Singapore with a regional footprint in China and Malaysia, we curate and develop influential trade and consumer events for key industries, connecting global marketplaces in sectors such as fintech, industrial transformation and ESG. We also manage the Singapore EXPO, Singapore's largest purpose-built venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). Our vision is to be a global leader made in Asia, activating impactful networks to enable cross-industry collaboration and innovation through our holistic portfolio of intellectual properties in the MICE industry. Visit for more information.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore EXPO is pioneer awardee of Platinum Certification for MICE Sustainability, setting a new industry benchmark
SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore EXPO, managed by Constellar, has become a pioneer awardee of the prestigious Platinum Certification under the MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) framework developed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS). This certification at the Platinum level has attained Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised status, aligning with the GSTC MICE Criteria Version 1.0 supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) with Singapore EXPO being part of the Early Adopter Program of the GSTC MICE Criteria. The MSC rewards excellence in event sustainability across environmental, social, and governance pillars. The Platinum certification, introduced in November 2024, represents the highest tier of sustainability recognition through a rigorous evaluation of the sustainability practices of venues and event organisers against global standards. This recognition underscores Singapore EXPO's commitment to being a leading venue in spearheading sustainability in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and its leadership in sustainable operations. Raising the Bar in Sustainability Excellence From clean energy and smart buildings to zero-waste solutions and responsible food practices, Singapore EXPO's sustainability journey across 26 years reflects its core values of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Key achievements and best practices include transitioning to renewable energy sources, the implementation of advanced waste management systems, and adopting energy-efficient technologies. Solar-powered Sustainability: Home to Singapore's current largest single-site solar rooftop installation, at an estimated size of eight football fields, the solar panels generate clean renewable energy that power 100% of the MICE activities that take place at Singapore EXPO. Comprehensive Waste Management: Singapore EXPO has a comprehensive waste management program, supported by an on-site sorting facility, food digester and partnerships with recycling vendors to maximise landfill diversion rates. Energy Efficiency: The implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems, including the use of LED lighting throughout the venue and advanced HVAC systems, have reduced energy consumption by 25%. Water Conservation: Water-saving fixtures and the completion of a rainwater harvesting system by 2025 will reduce Singapore EXPO's water efficiency index by 10% by 2026. Community Engagement: Ongoing collaborations with local organisations such as BlueAcres and NTUC LearningHub, and Institutes of Higher Learning such as Singapore University of Technology and Design and Nanyang Polytechnic, to drive skills training, social sustainability programs and community outreach initiatives. Sustainable Event Solutions: Rooftop urban farm to augment event catering with up to one ton of produce per month, as well as eco-friendly options to event organisers such as biodegradable materials, digital ticketing, and carbon offset programs. "Exhibitions bring global communities together, fostering new connections, ideas, businesses, and partnerships that can shape the future. Constellar has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a force for good, driving collaboration and galvanising collective action for sustainable growth and positive impact." said Chua Wee Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Constellar. In the past 25 years, Singapore EXPO has hosted over 100 million visitors and approximately 12,000 events. It hosted about 400 events last year. He added: "Being a sustainable venue is a key differentiator for events and can significantly scale impact across the industry. Singapore EXPO is proud to continue pioneering continuous innovation in sustainable venue operations and fostering active collaboration with partners across the MICE industry, as Asia's Most Sustainable MICE Venue powered by renewable energy." Pioneering a Green Future for Events With this certification, Singapore EXPO reaffirms its commitment to being a hub for sustainable innovation. As the global MICE industry continues to evolve, the venue remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class facilities while prioritising environmental stewardship and social responsibility. "Congratulations to Constellar on achieving the Platinum tier under the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC)," said Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS. "This is the highest accolade that sets a new benchmark for the industry—paving the way for deeper sustainability integration and elevating best practices across the MICE landscape. We commend Constellar's continued commitment to raising the bar and shaping a more responsible, future-ready industry. I hope this milestone encourages more organisations to embark on their own sustainability journey and collectively uplift the standards of excellence in our industry." Looking ahead, Singapore EXPO continues to contribute to Singapore's Green Plan 2030 by expanding renewable energy sources, enhancing green infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism. In particular, the installation of additional solar panels before the end of the year will enable power 75% of Singapore EXPO's overall consumption to be powered by renewable energy, as well as a corresponding 75% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2025, when compared to pre-COVID baselines. Learn more about Singapore EXPO's sustainability initiatives and how it's Going Green here. About Singapore EXPO Home to some of the greatest leading events in the world, Singapore EXPO is the country's largest purpose-built meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) venue. We are your playground of possibilities, where ideas collide, business leaders unite and connections flow. With interconnected event spaces spanning 10 halls and 32 meeting rooms across 123,000 sqm, indoors to outdoors, our versatile venue is ready for events of any proportions. As a trusted venue partner with over twenty years of exhibition and event experience, Singapore EXPO challenges the norm and pioneers ground-breaking solutions that elevate your event experience to greater heights. Visit for more information. About Constellar Constellar is Asia's preferred partner for convening businesses, curating ideas and creating opportunities for sustainable business growth and global impact. Based in Singapore with a regional footprint in China and Malaysia, we curate and develop influential trade and consumer events for key industries, connecting global marketplaces in sectors such as fintech, industrial transformation and ESG. We also manage the Singapore EXPO, Singapore's largest purpose-built venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). Our vision is to be a global leader made in Asia, activating impactful networks to enable cross-industry collaboration and innovation through our holistic portfolio of intellectual properties in the MICE industry. Visit for more information. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Constellar Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
23-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rooftop Gardens, Recycled Linens: Inside Istanbul's Green Tourism Renaissance
The Conrad Istanbul has begun recycling its linens in an effort to become more sustainable. Sustainability is everywhere at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. It's in the food and in the recycling program — and it's even in the linens. The luxury hotel, which overlooks the Bosphorus, has a unique program that recycles used sheets and pillowcases instead of discarding them when they're worn out. "We repurpose the linens," explains Merve Seçkin, the director of marketing at the hotel. "We turn them into makeup bags in partnership with a Turkish food bank." The Conrad Istanbul is one of several properties in Istanbul making slow but steady progress toward sustainability. True, Turkey doesn't have the same reputation for tourism sustainability as other European countries. But don't tell that to the businesses that are moving forward with their own initiatives, from sustainable architecture to ambitious zero-waste projects, to socially conscious tours. Turkey's sustainable tourism program, which was launched in 2022 and sets sustainability standards for a range of tourism-related businesses, including accommodation facilities, tour operators, and destinations. Istanbul's Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Tourism, which promotes tourism in the city, also recently joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the EBRD Green Cities Urban Sustainability Program — evidence that it is serious about being sustainable. It has, however, not yet cracked the closely watched GDSI Top 40 list. Interest in creating sustainability programs is high in all sectors of Istanbul's tourism industry, according to Murat Alsaç, a co-founder of EsteNove, a popular hair transplant clinic on the Asian side of Istanbul. For example, the hospital in Istanbul affiliated with his clinic has been adding sustainability programs recently, "and we are planning to add a sustainability program soon," he says. In other words, sustainability is very much a work in progress in Istanbul, just as it is in other places. But some outliers are going above and beyond. The Peninsula Istanbul on the banks of the Bosphorus. The Peninsula Istanbul is a new luxury hotel that partially occupies a renovated customs house on the banks of the Bosphorus. But the owners were thinking of sustainability long before it welcomed its first guest. "We're devoted to making a positive social, economic, and environmental impact," says Jonathan Crook, the hotel's managing director. The hotel has received an 'Excellent' rating from BREEAM, a sustainable building certification that rates its performance on 10 key assessment criteria, including energy efficiency, waste management, and water usage. The Peninsula Istanbul is also the first luxury hotel in Turkey to achieve a Sustainable Tourism Certificate from GSTC. Perhaps the best place to see the Peninsula's obsession with sustainability is by taking the elevator to the top floor. There you'll find a rooftop herb garden, where lettuce, mint, and strawberries, are cultivated in partnership with a local urban farming collective. This garden not only reduces the hotel's environmental footprint but also provides guests with an opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and enjoy locally sourced ingredients in their meals. The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has implemented a variety of sustainability measures in its hotel. The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul also distinguishes itself as a hotel deeply committed to sustainability, and it has the accolades to prove it. There's the Sustainable Tourism Verification certificate from the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency. There's Kempinski's broad sustainability initiatives in which the hotel also participates. And the guest experience has a strong sustainability element. The hotel has replaced plastic straws and stirrers with paper and bamboo alternatives, and glass covers are now paper instead of plastic. The hotel no longer uses any plastic bags in the rooms; they've been replaced by biodegradable trash bags. Takeout containers are cardboard rather than plastic. The Ciragan Palace Kempinski's sustainability program extends far beyond just addressing plastic waste. A zero-waste project guides the property's waste management and recycling efforts, and energy efficiency is a key focus. A more efficient tri-generation system provides heat, electricity, and chilled water, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The hotel also uses seawater-cooled condensers and has replaced traditional light bulbs with energy-saving alternatives throughout the property. Water conservation is another area of emphasis, with the hotel utilizing a cooling system that takes advantage of the cold water of the Bosphorus. No measure is too small. Ciragan Palace Kempinski has a program to reduce paper consumption, too. Menus are on iPads. The hotel encourages guests to participate in its sustainability efforts through the Kempinski Green Linen Artefact Initiative, which allows them to opt out of daily linen-changing service. Sustainability is an emerging trend in Istanbul, according to a local travel advisor. Çağlar Gökgün, an expert for the socially conscious travel company Elsewhere by Lonely Planet, says there's a growing group of travelers who are coming to the city for a sustainable experience — and they're finding it. Sustainability is an emerging trend in Istanbul, according to a local travel advisor. Çağlar Gökgün, an expert for the socially conscious travel company Elsewhere by Lonely Planet, says there's a growing group of travelers who are coming to the city for a sustainable experience — and they're finding it. Consider what you'll find on one of Gökgün's tours of Istanbul: Gökgün is not alone. Geographic Expedition's new women-only Treasures of Türkiye itinerary includes three nights at Istanbul's Pera Palace Hotel, a recipient of the Green Global Certification Award and known for its sustainability initiatives and involvement. It also features local restaurants with locally sourced ingredients, which keep the tourism economy sustainable. The tour spends one evening in Istanbul's Nişantaşı District, home to a number of female-owned boutiques and art galleries, to introduce travelers to community businesses and crafts. Gökgün makes an important point. Maybe one of the reasons that sustainable tourism hasn't gone mainstream is that people don't know it exists. Educational tours like his, combined with ambitious hotel programs like those offered by the Conrad and Peninsula, are slowly building public awareness. Back at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, the linens are just part of a massive movement toward sustainability. The Conrad's commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its daily operations. It diligently monitors and minimizes energy and water consumption, always looking for ways to save. Guests arriving in electric vehicles can take advantage of the hotel's charging stations. The hotel also sources 80 percent of its restaurant ingredients locally, ensuring that guests get fresh, seasonal cuisine while supporting the local economy. Their '50 miles' program emphasizes purchasing food from within a 50-mile radius of the city. 'We all have to pay back to the Earth," says Seçkin, the sales director. "We all have to pay back to our community. So that's why actually with each and every day, we are trying to create different projects that support our community and support the Earth." The Conrad isn't leaving well enough alone. It's also planning a groundbreaking project, at least for a Turkish hotel: generating its own electricity. It's still in the early phases, and Seçkin isn't sure where the solar farm will go online — only that it will go. Just as the Bosphorus connects two continents, Istanbul is bridging the gap between tourism and sustainability. It's a slow journey, but with innovation sprouting from rooftop gardens to zero-waste initiatives, it probably won't be long before it's on the other side.
