Hello, everyone!

A couple of weeks ago, Asia Sustainable Travel (AST) Forum launched the AST Forum for Next-Gen Leaders, which focuses on students as future drivers of the tourism and hospitality industry.

This new initiative complements the existing AST Forum for industry professionals by involving the students in discussions and equipping them with knowledge and actionable strategies. 

We’d like to share the forum’s key takeaways and moments in this week’s Feature Story.

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Preparing Hospitality’s Next Leaders at the AST Forum in Manila

Held at Far Eastern University in Manila, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site known for its preserved Art Deco structures, the AST Forum for Next-Gen Leaders brought together over 400 students, faculty members, and industry experts. 

These young leaders engaged in meaningful discussions under the theme "Driving Change with Smart Tech, Sustainable City Experiences, and Transportation Solutions for Responsible Travel and Hospitality."

The Role of Technology in Sustainable Tourism 

"Hotels consume 50% more energy than similarly-sized residential buildings, despite average occupancy rates of just 55%. Guest rooms, unoccupied 70% of the time, still make up 40 to 80% of a hotel’s total energy use,” Rolly Sison, Buildings Segment Leader of Schneider Electric Philippines, shared.

Driving Seamless Experiences with Smart Hotel Rooms

Belle Cruz, Managing Director of BB8 Consultancy, Inc., discussed how hotels are integrating technology to deliver personalized guest experiences and improve operations while aligning with sustainability goals.

Cruz explained how smart hotel technology simplifies and elevates the guest’s stay, from pre-arrival to post-checkout. 

“You can check in through your phone via QR code. By the time you arrive, your room is already prepared according to your preferences—no time wasted at the reception.”

Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion

Sustainability in tourism requires more than advanced tech.

It needs alignment with practical goals and local realities. IoT, for instance, can slash energy waste by 40% in unoccupied hotel rooms, but achieving this impact depends on cost management and staff buy-in.

IoT can proactively manage energy, water, and waste. 

It can identify leaks, inefficiencies, or the best times for waste collection to cut emissions and reduce resource waste.

Technology needs to be paired with genuine care. 

“Technology will always be there, but it’s up to us to believe we’re doing it for something positive,” Rolly Sison,  Buildings Segment Leader of Schneider Electric Philippines, reminded students, stressing the importance of balancing technical expertise with a passion for sustainability.

Automation and personal interactions must coexist. 

Belle Cruz, Managing Director of BB8 Consultancy, Inc., pointed out that while guests value automation, they still crave authentic, human connections.

Training programs and dialogue are key to adopting travel tech. 

"Many drivers worried the technology would disturb their earnings,” Roberto Belda, Head of Expansions at Xpress, shared. However, empowering workers with the knowledge and tools to adopt new systems ensures smoother tech integration without disrupting livelihoods.

Team buy-in drives sustainability success. 

Eden Decano, Group Director of Finance at Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), highlighted that employees need to believe in initiatives for them to succeed. Commitment within teams, combined with guest participation, not only makes a difference but can also reduce costs.

Accelerate Your Impact. Join the AST Sustainability Solution Providers Collective

Sustainability in hospitality is more than just about commitment. It is about working with the right partners to turn ambition into action.

At Asia Sustainable Travel (AST), we’ve heard from industry leaders like you that finding trusted sustainability partners is a major challenge.

From renewable energy and waste management to plastic-free solutions and sustainable design, travel businesses need credible, high-impact solutions that drive real change.

That’s why we created the AST Sustainability Solution Providers Directory, a one-stop platform where Asia’s hotels and travel brands can easily connect with vetted sustainability innovators, consultancies, and service providers.

Last week, we went further and introduced the AST Sustainability Solution Providers Collective to connect purpose-led suppliers, innovators, and consultancies with Asia’s travel and hospitality businesses.

Why join the collective?

»»» High-Impact Exposure: Get in front of decision-makers actively seeking sustainability solutions.

»»»  Strategic Client Matchmaking: Connect with hotels and travel brands ready to invest in sustainability.

»»» Curated Networking: Gain access to premium events and partnership opportunities.

»»» Tiered Pricing: Designed for businesses of all sizes, ensuring accessibility without compromising value.

As an independent business ourselves, we understand the importance of measurable ROI.

🚀 Join now and be among the first wave of solution providers shaping the future of hospitality

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