Sustainability Asia Pacific Opinion Articles

October 24, 2025

Creative Cities of Tomorrow: Redefining Why Hospitality Must Become a Platform for Culture, Community, and Connection to Create Change

The future of hospitality is not about beds and breakfasts. It is about building ecosystems where culture, creativity, and community flourish through in person connection. Increasingly, the world’s most compelling destinations are not defined by their beaches or their skyline, but by the way they bring people together to learn, to create, and to belong and to connect.

By Daisy Angus, Visionary Founder & Creator, Oshom Bali

Bali, Nuanu City, Indonesia

Opinion Article

September 3, 2025

From Sustainability to Regeneration: A Forgotten Paradise Reborn

When I first arrived in Kep, Cambodia, in 2003, it felt like a town lost in time. Once known as the “Côte d’Azur of Cambodia,” Kep had been a glamorous seaside escape filled with beautiful villas and vibrant life. But after years of war and hardship, the beaches were deserted, the roads crumbling, and the elegant homes reduced to ruins. What remained was only a faded memory of a golden era.

By Jef Moons, Founder and CEO of Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West, Kep West

Kep, Cambodia

Opinion Article

October 31, 2022

The Road to Net-zero in the Indian Hotel Industry

With numerous commitments from both large and small businesses, India's goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2070 is gaining traction. Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group, JSW Group, and Mahindra & Mahindra are just a few of the Indian businesses that have set decarbonization targets to become carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner. By implementing eco-friendly practices, hotel companies in India are also stepping up and doing their part to lessen their impact on the environment. For instance, to reduce their carbon footprint, the majority of hotel operators have reduced and eliminated single-use plastic and switched to more environmentally friendly options like refillable shampoo/soap dispensers, as well as opting out of daily linen and towel changes. Some are also using renewable energy, smart energy systems, reusable water, and zero-waste policies to make their operations more sustainable while also saving money.

By Mandeep Lamba and Dipti Mohan

India

Opinion Article

April 26, 2022

ESG Review of Six Macau Casino Operators

Following the previous article about ecologic obsolescence, this article presents the sustainability performance and initiatives in the hospitality industry. Commonly known as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), which covers a wide range of key performance indicators (KPIs) in corresponding aspects, such as green house gas (GHG) emissions, stakeholder engagement and people management. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, environmental and social issues received increasing attention, and ESG disclosure became a critical indicator of corporates being good citizens and neighbors. This article provides an overview of how the six major casino operators in Macau disclose their ESG performance in 2020 and reviews the quality of their reporting with recommendations for future reporting. The full article is available for download here!

By Daniel Voellm and Anchi Liu

Macau

Opinion Article

March 7, 2022

India: Green Hotels for a Sustainable Future

Sustainability has become a key focus in the hospitality sector in recent years, with several hotel chains committing to reduce their environmental impact by implementing eco-friendly practices. Hotels gain from sustainable practices in two ways: first, they enhance resource efficiency and provide cost savings, and second, these policies serve as a marketing tool, attracting today's eco-conscious travelers. While most of the focus has been on the operational aspects so far, incorporating green technologies and resources into construction can also go a long way in achieving sustainability objectives.

By Mandeep Lamba and Dipti Mohan

India

Opinion Article

November 22, 2021

HVS Monday Musings: Sustainability in the Hotel Industry is Crucial to Combat Climate Change

Extreme weather, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, storms, and cyclones across the world are undeniable proof of climate change's pervasive influence, which has resulted in massive social and economic losses in recent years. India has not been immune, with devastating floods, cloudbursts, and landslides wreaking havoc in numerous states this year alone. International organizations and governments from all over the world have recognized the crisis and are working together to reduce the impact and safeguard the environment for future generations. At the recently concluded COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference, India, too, vowed to become carbon-neutral by 2070, a target that will necessitate unprecedented collaboration between stakeholders across industries, including tourism and hospitality.

By Mandeep Lamba and Dipti Mohan

India

Opinion Article

May 3, 2021

HVS Monday Musings: Will EV Charging Stations Be The New Service Offering At Hotels In India?

Indian domestic travelers have discovered the pleasures of road trips in the past year and an increasing number of these tourists will be electric vehicle (EV) owners going forward. EVs are considered the 'future of mobility' and are fast gaining popularity in India. As per a recent report, annual sales of EVs in India are expected to increase from 380,000 units in 2019-20 to 6.3 million units by 2027. However, EV owners are still wary of long road trips due to the lack of adequate charging stations in the country.

By Mandeep Lamba and Dipti Mohan

India

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Opinion Article

October 29, 2019

Vacationing in a Tree House? Why Singapore Hotels are Tapping Into Biophilic Design.

Singapore is stepping into this field by building a Super Low Energy (SLE) resort in the backyard of its National Singapore Zoo. This zone, called the Mandai Project, aims to support Singaporean flora and fauna and to eventually become a destination for nature lovers. WOW architects, in partnership with Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, is designing treehouses in the shapes of seeds. Perched above the canopy, 338 rooms will feature stunning rain forest vistas.

By Holden Madison, Bachelor student, EHL

Singapore

Opinion Article

March 29, 2016

Rodas – An ECOTEL Hotel: Inspiring Sustainability

Rodas, an ECOTEL Hotel, in Mumbai makes sustainability integral to the company's business strategy. The article focuses on the strategies used by the Hotel towards conservation of resources and reduction in landfill waste with concomitant savings.

By Avantika Vijay Singh and Harinakkshi Nair

Mumbai, India