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Hello ASTB friend! 

We are in the middle of planning our next ASTB Mixer. We can’t wait to share more details when the date and location are confirmed. Stay tuned.

Speaking of events, did you get a chance to attend any of the large-scale trade shows that made a comeback in 2023, marketing the first full of Asia’s tourism rebound post-pandemic? If so, what were your thoughts about them?

We are cognizant that traveling to a trade show far from our home cities produces carbon emissions. It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of attending such events, on which we did a deep-dive here.

Today, we’d like to share with you our experience (and observations) from attending Further East in Bali in November 2023.

Is APAC’s Premier Travel Show Primed to Take Lead in Sustainability Transformation?

This Is Beyond brought Further East back to Seminyak, Bali for its 4th installment in November 2023. It was the Open House on day 1 that offered some of the most inspiring conversations of the entire 4-day show.  

Sustainability-focused Innovations Took Center Stage at the Open House 

Setting the tone on the Inspire stage, Ronald Akli, Founder & CEO of Potato Head, engaged in a thought-provoking interview with Skift's columnist Colin Nagy. At the same time, over on the Spark Stage, Melita Koulmandas, CEO of Song Saa Private Island, took the audience on a journey through her Regenerative Ripples quest. 

The Inspire stage further unfolded with a compelling presentation by Elora Hardy, Founder of Bali-based design studio IBUKU. By emphasizing the health and emotional benefits associated with such an approach, she made an indisputable case for a new era of luxury that harmonizes with nature.

Gary Bencheghib, Co-Founder of Sungai Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning up Indonesia’s rivers, sounded the alarm on plastic pollution in Bali, urging collective action across the hospitality sector to prevent the island's waterways from becoming open-air dumpsters. 

A Close-Up Perspective of Sustainability Projects in Action 

Following Gary’s impassioned presentation, Further East, in partnership with Design Hotels, organized a visit for media members to see the Sungai Watch’s team in action in western Bali. 

We also visited Bambu Indah, ‘an ecologically-minded jungle retreat” in Ubud.

The name, which translates to "beautiful bamboo" in Indonesian, perfectly encapsulates the awe-inspiring dedication of John and Cynthia Hardy.

Beyond the sustainable ethos, we marveled at the exceptional craftsmanship that brought their visionary concept to life.

Will Further East Take Lead on the Industry’s Sustainability Transformation?

The high-end and overall travel sector must no longer ignore the impact of plastic pollution and climate change.

The need for change is clear and urgent. Further East is uniquely positioned to lead industry players in adopting a responsible business model.  

As we look ahead to Further East 2024, the anticipation is palpable as travel businesses and professionals continue to look for innovative and proven ways of integrating sustainability and regeneration into their businesses.

When asked about whether and how Further East will play a more active in leading the industry’s sustainability transition, Serge Dive, CEO & Founder of This is Beyond said,

“As we prepare to hit Bali once more in November, Further East continues to grow in scope and influence, despite keeping the intimacy we’re known for. Our exhibitors are still exclusive to the Asia-Pacific. Our buyers and media are second to none.

While this hasn’t changed, we’re seeing the subject of regenerative travel — restoring local cultures, not just maintaining them — come up again and again in conversation.

Last year, our inaugural Leadership Summit (held at NIHI) kept circling back to regenerative potential. We’re expecting it to be a major force in the connections our community will make in 2024 and beyond.”

CTA 1: Help the Sungai Watch team

The Sungai Watch team is making meaningful changes across Indonesia. If you’d like to be part of this life-altering cause, please consider supporting their river clean-up projects by making a contribution here.

CTA 2: Help the ASTB team

We want to do our job better. Please tell us the kind of stories that you’d like to see more of.

Reply to this email directly with your response.

1. I’d like to read more about success stories, changemakers, and leaders.

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3. I’d like to attend the next ASTB Mixer. Can you bring it to my city?

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When you're ready, there are two ways that we can help you:

1. Send your travel stories and news releases to [email protected] for coverage opportunities on Travel Asia Now. When you are ready to promote your brand, sponsored content or ads are always an option on the website.

2. If you're looking for support in your sustainability transition and/or communicating sustainability with your target audience, email the Sainha team at [email protected] 

→ The Sustainability Certification Program: Increase your sustainability credibility by gaining a globally-recognized sustainability certification.

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→ Asia Accelerator: Level up your Asia-focused marketing. Accelerate your growth in Asia with forward planning including a one-day workshop for your team.

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