Hello, everyone!

This week’s Feature Story dives into the key takeaways from PHILHOST 2025, held on May 22.

Our Co-Founder, Rhea Vitto Tabora, was on the ground and brought back fresh insights from some of the region’s leading voices in sustainable travel.

From circular economy and data management to certifications and the journey toward Net Zero, the discussions provided valuable perspectives and practical strategies that are shaping the future of the tourism industry.

If you like our content and want to support us, please share this newsletter with your friends to help us grow.

We plant a tree to welcome every new subscriber through our partnership with OneSeed.

Pursuing Sustainability in Hospitality: Insights from PHILHOST 2025

Bringing together over 220 industry leaders, the 4th Philippine Hospitality on Sustainable Tourism (PHILHOST 2025) explored innovative strategies that redefine tourism and create lasting environmental, social, and economic impact. 

With the event’s theme, “Pursuing Sustainability,” it was clear that stakeholders were no longer about words but action.

Workshops, discussions, and keynotes unfolded, all rooted in the message from the Department of Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, which was delivered by Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar. She emphasized, “In the Philippines, tourism is not merely an industry. It is a nation-building force. It is a powerful expression of our culture, a lifeline for our communities, and a wellspring of economic opportunity.”

Circular Economy in Hospitality 

Victor Maningo, Director of Green Standards Asia Pacific, kicked off the discussion by breaking down the three pillars of a circular economy: design out waste, circulate materials and products at their highest value possible, and regenerate nature. 

• Designing out waste and pollution means intentionally creating products and systems that prevent waste and environmental harm from the outset.

• Circulating materials at their highest value involves maximizing the lifespan of products, components, and materials through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.

• Regenerating nature goes beyond just minimizing harm. It aims to restore and enhance natural systems, for example, through composting organic materials or supporting regenerative agriculture.

→ Read about how to rethink the Take-Make-Dispose approach with Alvin Lim, Managing Director of Haig and Lee.

→ Learn how to turn waste into value from Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX Markets.

The Economics of Sustainable Tourism 

While sustainability often focuses on ethical and environmental issues, its financial aspects are just as important. PHILHOST 2025 explored how sustainable practices offer both opportunities and challenges for hospitality businesses.

Leah Magallanes, VP for Sustainability and Quality Assurance of SM Hotels and Convention Centers, presented a four-pillar sustainability strategy grounded in data, certification, and community partnerships. “We revamped our mission to include sustainability, making it core to every operational decision. And we measure everything—from energy consumption to waste diversion. ‘What gets measured gets done,’ and that builds the foundation for informed, impactful decisions.”

Certification emerged as a key topic. Panelists collectively agreed that certifications enhance credibility, but they should reflect real action and impact, rather than serving as badges of honor.

Johnny Gao, AVP at The Ascott Limited, introduced the concept of “green premiums”—the cost difference between sustainable and conventional practices—which poses a unique challenge.

While higher upfront costs can discourage adoption, Gao noted that pioneers creating demand for sustainable products and policies could pave the way for more affordable, mainstream solutions. “We’ve seen this with electric vehicles, and similar trends could transform the financial landscape for sustainable hospitality,” he added.

Beyond costs, the discussion emphasized the value of community-focused initiatives in promoting long-term economic resilience. "Shared prosperity drives us. Take our Tela Tales project, for example. It isn’t just CSR but genuine impact, training communities so they can sustain livelihoods beyond corporate support," Magallanes shared.

Travel Trends Driving Meaningful Getaways 

The panel discussion, "Beyond the Ordinary: Intimate, Bespoke and Eco-Friendly Getaways," spotlighted a significant shift in tourism preferences.

Today's travelers seek experiences that blend sustainability, cultural immersion, and genuine human connections. Leaders in the industry are responding by creating spaces and services that deliver deep meaning and lasting impact.

Carlo Cordaro, owner of Asmara Urban Resort, brought a refreshing perspective on combining sustainability with thoughtful design.

His boutique resort was built at a level below coconut tree height to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. “I wanted to create a space where people could connect with nature and each other while preserving the integrity of the land,” Cordaro explained. 

Paving the Road to Net Zero 

Reaching net zero by 2050 is widely recognized as a shared responsibility for the tourism industry. At the Journey to Net Zero: How Industry Leaders Are Driving the Net Zero Roadmap panel, the speakers approached the topic not as a suggestion but as an urgent, non-negotiable deadline. 

→ Read more about the takeaways of this panel discussion.

Looking Ahead 

PHILHOST 2025 delivered more than frameworks; it inspired actionable roadmaps. Sustainability isn’t just a strategy or selling point but a responsibility, articulated across diverse panels that bridged culture, commerce, and climate action.

From quantifiable successes, such as reduced plastic use, to scalable regeneration projects, hospitality leaders are demonstrating that progress lies in persistence, creativity, and partnerships. 

“Sustainability is a team effort,” said Lynette Ermac. “And when your property lives and breathes these values, everyone—from hotel manager to associates—you do not have to engage your guests to do sustainability. They are attracted to you because you are a walking embodiment of sustainability."

The strategies emerging from PHILHOST 2025 showcase how it’s done—with heart, innovation, and a genuine commitment to leave no footprint behind.

EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards

Our friends at EXO Foundation are accepting entries for its third Sustainability Awards. Only projects located in the following countries are eligible for the Sustainability Awards: Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea.

In addition to visibility, winners will be eligible for cash rewards to further their sustainability projects. Be sure to submit by June 15, 2025 to be considered.

→ Read more about the EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards 

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on thorough research and personal experience, and we only promote products and services we genuinely believe in. Thank you for supporting our work.