LOOKING BACK AT PHILHOST
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PHILHOST 2025: Pursuing Sustainability
PHILHOST (Philippine Hospitality on Sustainable Tourism) 2025 celebrated its 4th year of gathering experts, leaders, and stakeholders for discussions on sustainability within the hospitality and tourism industry last 22 May at the ASCOTT BGC. With this year’s theme of “Pursuing Sustainability,” more than 220 attendees joined the cause in promoting sustainable practices within the sector.
Following the workshops was the main plenary session, which featured several panel discussions about travel trends of intimate, bespoke, eco-friendly getaways, the journey to net zero, the power of sustainable leadership among the next generation of leaders, the realities of communicating sustainability, and offering sustainability without compromising luxury for guests.
A notable highlight of the event was the Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar’s keynote speech, where she shared valuable insights regarding the future of sustainable tourism in the Philippines. Several spotlight speakers also expounded on important topics such as the UNDP Philippines’ Green LGU Project, a total design approach to the development of Philippine Tourism, and the WWF Philippines’ Just One to Save the Planet Campaign.
The event also showcased ENVision with Team Scientians, the winners from ENVision 2023, presenting their revolutionary work “REMSEA,” a magnetic carbon nanotube-embedded robot that removes and collects microplastics in seawater.
The event concluded with a night of good food and drinks at Ascott BGC’s Scott’s, together with fun raffle prizes for lucky attendees.
PHILHOST 2024: Sustainability in Action
The recent PHILHOST at Ascott Bonifacio Global City brought together nearly 200 international and local leaders, buzzing with ideas for a greener future in tourism. Workshops and discussions tackled hot topics such as the rise of sustainable luxury travel, regenerative design and food & waste management, among many others.
A major highlight was the launch of World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Hotel Sustainability Basics in the Philippines, led by WTTC’s Managing Director Asia-Pacific and Sr. Advisor to the CEO, Ms. Liz Ortiguera, where we got at least 50 properties pledging to take on Basics’ steps on enhancing their sustainable journey.
Inspiring the next generation was ENVision, a case competition where high school and college students brainstormed solutions for the hospitality industry’s sustainability challenges. PHILHOST aims to empower these young minds to shape a sustainable future for tourism.
Beyond industry discussions, PHILHOST commits to support Waves For Water to raise awareness for their mission of providing clean drinking water for all.
Adding a touch of fun to the event was an impromptu performance by Apl.De.Ap of the Apl.de.ap Foundation. He spoke passionately about retrofitted sustainable jeepneys and his love for “sisig,” a Filipino delicacy, highlighting the link between sustainability and local food culture.
Philhost 2024 was a resounding success, fostering collaboration and driving action towards a more sustainable future for the Philippine hospitality and tourism industry.
PHILHOST 2023
PHILHOST was held last 23 June 2023 at the Ascott Bonifacio Global City. An annual event for the hospitality industry to convene and discuss destination situations, challenges, opportunities and best practices in sustainability.
The only kind in the Philippines intended to synergize globally with local expertise, it showcased workshops and panel discussions in plastic reduction, hotel design, ESG compliance, WTTC’s hotel sustainability basics, destination resiliency, adaptive re-use of buildings, business travel trends and the new generation of sustainability leaders.
