Happenings
Event Report: Shaping the Future of ASEAN’s Hotel Industry
Date : October 22, 2024 | Event: FHA HoReCa | Location: Singapore
Session Title: In Conversation with ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA)
Overview:
The FHA HoReCa 2024 featured a pivotal panel discussion involving leaders from the ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA). The session, titled “In Conversation with AHRA: Shaping the Future of ASEAN’s Hotel Industry,” focused on the strategic directions and sustainability initiatives being adopted across the region.
Panelists:
- 1. Christina Toh, President, Malaysia Association of Hotels
- 2. Dawn Teo, 2nd Vice-President, Singapore Hotel Association
- 3. Eugene Yap, President, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines
- 4. Hariyadi Sukamdani, Chairman, Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association
- 5. Khun Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President, Thai Hotels Association
- 6. Govinda Singh, Executive Director – ASEAN, Hotels & Leisure, Real Estate Advisory, Colliers (Moderator)
Key Discussions:
The panelists discussed various strategies to drive sustainability within the HoReCa sector in the ASEAN region. Key points included:
- Adoption of Green Technologies: Discussion on how hotels and restaurants are increasingly integrating green technologies to reduce carbon footprints. Examples include energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and waste management systems.
- Sustainable Supply Chains: Emphasis on creating sustainable supply chains that prioritize locally sourced and environmentally friendly products, which not only support local communities but also reduce transportation emissions.
- Staff Training and Awareness: Initiatives to train staff on sustainability practices, ensuring that all employees are aware of and engaged in implementing eco-friendly practices within their operations.
- Collaboration and Policy Advocacy: A collective call for greater collaboration among ASEAN countries to advocate for policies that support sustainability goals in the hospitality industry.
- Innovation and Investment: Discussions on the need for continuous innovation and the importance of investments in sustainable infrastructure and practices.
Outcomes:
The panel concluded with a commitment from all associations to further enhance their sustainability efforts and to work collaboratively across borders to achieve significant environmental impacts. A follow-up session was proposed to monitor progress and share best practices.
Sponsors and Partners:
The session was supported by sponsors including Revel and SevenRooms, and knowledge partners such as FCSI and Green Hospitality, indicating a strong industry backing for sustainability initiatives.
This report highlights the commitment of the ASEAN hotel and restaurant industry leaders to propel their businesses towards more sustainable practices, reflecting an integrated approach to environmental stewardship within the region’s hospitality sector.