Hello, everyone!

As we roll through May with our focus on low-impact travel, this week’s Feature Story spotlights hotels and resorts that are boosting both guest satisfaction and profitability by integrating electric vehicles into their operations.

And in case you missed it: we’re now less than 2 weeks away from the AST Forum in Ha Noi! If you or your colleagues are in Vietnam’s capital, don’t miss this rare chance to join a high-level, invite-only gathering of the brightest minds shaping the future of travel. Seats are extremely limited — secure yours now.

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Driving Change with Electric Vehicles for Low-Carbon City Tours and Resort Experiences

According to the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the International Transport Forum (ITF), transport-related CO₂ emissions from the tourism sector accounted for about 22% of all global transport emissions in 2016. Without immediate action, this figure is expected to remain alarmingly high through 2030.

With domestic transport emissions in Asia alone reaching 2.8 Gt of CO₂ in 2023, equivalent to the combined emissions of Europe and North America, the urgency for sustainable transport solutions has never been more evident. 

One promising response to this challenge is shifting toward electric vehicles (EVs). These innovations not only lower carbon footprints but also offer hospitality and tourism professionals a unique opportunity to enhance guest experiences. From city tours to resort stays, EVs provide an eco-conscious and memorable way for businesses to stand out in a competitive market.

Enhancing Guest Experiences with EV Tuk-Tuks

EV adoption opens up exciting opportunities for businesses to elevate their guest offerings.  Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, provides a compelling example of this. Since the hotel introduced electric tuk-tuks in June 2024, visitors have been able to explore iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat while minimizing their carbon footprints.

The tuk-tuks operate up to 70 kilometers on a single charge, a range that easily accommodates full-day guided tours. But the real value lies beyond the technical specs.

"Our drivers often serve as guides, enriching the travel experience with local stories and insights," shares Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina. This level of personalization not only enhances guest satisfaction but also aligns with the growing trend of 'purposeful travel', where eco-conscious travelers make decisions based on a destination’s sustainability-led practices. 

Electric Buggies Conquer Terrain Challenges 

Adopting EVs for resort operations often involves overcoming unique challenges. Avana Retreat in Vietnam's mountainous regions faced obstacles when transitioning to electric buggies for its 15-hectare property. The terrain’s inclines and rugged paths quickly exposed the limitations of standard EV equipment.

"We initially equipped our fleet with 7.5kW motors and conventional batteries," explains James Thai, Chief Operating Officer at Avana Retreat. "However, the buggies struggled with consistent performance on steep slopes. Upgrading to 11kW motors and rigorously testing lithium-ion battery options transformed our operations."

Building EV Infrastructure for Resorts

For integrated properties like Okada Manila, building EV infrastructure signals eco-conscious leadership and market readiness. Through its ‘Okada Green Heart’ initiative, valet-operated EV charging stations were introduced in April 2025.

"Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the integration of green technology into the valet service, highlighting the convenience and added value it brings to their stay," shares Rob Scott, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Okada Manila.

The implementation process involved key operational challenges, particularly in aligning technical infrastructure with valet procedures. These were effectively addressed through close collaboration among the Facilities, IT, and Valet teams, resulting in a smooth and secure rollout. 

"Our phased rollout—starting with valet-managed services—provided the necessary operational control and guest assurance, while interdepartmental coordination ensured consistency in service quality and safety," says Scott. Guest inquiries about self-service options already hint at the next phase in Okada’s strategy.

TL; DR

The growing tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region has a major impact on transport emissions, highlighting the need for low-carbon options like electric vehicles to support eco-conscious hospitality.

Benefits of adopting EVs:

• Environmental impact: EVs reduce carbon footprints, especially with renewable energy charging sources.

• Financial savings: Lower fuel and maintenance costs make EVs a cost-effective long-term investment.

• Brand value: Offering sustainable transportation options positions properties as leaders in eco-conscious hospitality, meeting guest expectations.

Practical solutions to common challenges:

• Leverage government subsidies and phased rollouts to manage upfront costs.

• Prioritize safety with zoned charging areas and fire safety measures, as demonstrated by Avana Retreat.

• Conduct feasibility studies for infrastructure upgrades, even in space-constrained urban properties.

• Train staff to enhance guest education and improve the EV experience.

Key takeaway: Adopting EV solutions early helps achieve environmental goals, improves guest satisfaction, and boosts operational efficiency, giving hospitality businesses a competitive edge.

Just 2 Weeks Left Until AST Forum in Ha Noi. Have You Secured Your Spot?

Our mission with AST Forum is to cut through the sustainability echo chamber and spotlight high-growth yet underrepresented markets like Vietnam.

We aim to amplify bold voices, elevate locally grounded case studies, and spark conversations that lead to measurable impact — not just pledges.

Yes, Vietnam’s tourism post-Covid recovery is outpacing regional powerhouses like Thailand and Indonesia, so is its plastic problem. Once-pristine destinations are now environmental flashpoints. How can hotels and travel operators not only eliminate plastic from daily operations but also address legacy waste that’s been swept under the rug for too long?

We’ll also unpack a conversation many shy away from — “Sustainability: Cost Center or Revenue Driver?” — a topic described by speaker Catherine Germier-Hamel as “not-so-obvious” but absolutely essential.

If you know us, you know we don’t stop at identifying problems. We get into the how — the action, the strategy, the solutions — and we open the floor to everyone ready to be part of the change.

So join us at AST Forum in Ha Noi on World Environment Day.

🗓️ Date: June 5, 2025
🕑 Time: 14:00–17:00
📍 Venue: Hotel de Lagom, Ha Noi (Map link)
🎟️ Secure your seat now as we have very limited seating.

↳ 5% of ticket sales will support Saigon Xanh in cleaning Vietnam’s waterways.
↳Three trees per attendee will be planted in climate-vulnerable communities through OneSeed.

This is your chance to help shape a tourism future that is responsible, meaningful, and impactful.

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