August 6, 2026: Phuket, Thailand – For many businesses, sustainability has become a way of life – but the constant effort to “reduce, reuse and recycle” isn’t always reflected in their bottom line. It’s a key concern and it is central to the conversation at PHIST this year about how to turn sustainability into profitability – a conversation that will be led by tourism pioneer KP Ho, Executive Chairman and Founder of Banyan Group.
 
More than 1,300 tourism and hospitality professionals are expected to come together for PHIST 2026 – a fast-paced full-day event co-organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview. Staged at Angsana Laguna Phuket on 7^th September 2026, this is a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing, solution-building and action-taking. More than 25 expert-led sessions, panel discussions, workshops and fireside chats will examine the key issues shaping the industry’s future, from decarbonisation, ESG reporting and responsible supply chains to biodiversity, food systems, technology, destination stewardship and more.
 
Headlining this year’s event will be KP Ho, who created Banyan Group in 1994 and has built it into one of the world’s most successful luxury hospitality enterprises – without ever losing sight of his founding ethos: “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.” At PHIST 2026, KP Ho will reveal his vision for the future of sustainable business in conversation with David Johnson, Founder & CEO of Delivering Asia.

“The future of hospitality belongs to businesses that can demonstrate the value sustainability creates – not only for the environment, but for their guests, employees, investors and local communities,” said KP Ho. “PHIST has become one of the industry’s most important platforms for sharing the innovation, partnerships and practical solutions that will shape tourism in the years ahead.”

Attendees will also be able to hear from Ms. Orathai Gerdsub, an elected representative and Member of Parliament for Phuket, who will discuss the importance of collaboration between government, tourism stakeholders and local communities in securing Phuket’s long-term success as a world-class destination.

“Tourism remains one of Phuket’s greatest strengths, and its future depends on balancing growth with responsible destination management. By working together across the public and private sectors, we can ensure tourism continues to generate lasting economic, environmental and social benefits for our communities,” Orathai Gerdsub commented.

PHIST 2026 will also hear from top-level executive and entrepreneurial speakers, including Bjorn Courage, President of the Phuket Hotels Association and General Manager of InterContinental Phuket Resort, Nida Wongphanlert, Managing Director of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts, Jeff Smith, Vice President – Sustainability at Six Senses, Maitri Fischer, Founder & CEO of Eco Mantra, Willem Neimeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures, Branavan Aruljothi, Country Head of Booking.com, Laurence Onfroy, Vice President – Asia Pacific at Beyond Green, Tali Goldman, CEO of Market For Good, Ken Kuguru, Managing Director of Winnow, and Tawee Impoolsup, Country Manager of Scholars of Sustenance (SOS Thailand).
 
Beyond the panel discussions and presentations, visitors can discover the Green Groove Sustainability Exhibition, showcasing innovative technologies, products and services, and dedicated Non-Profit and Farm Zones will connect hotels with local producers. The PHIST Spotlight Video Awards will celebrate industry leadership, a Remade Elegance fashion show will add a touch of glamour, and of course, delegates can reflect on the day’s findings over networking drinks at Angsana’s Loy Krathong Bar.

“Tourism is entering a new era where sustainability is becoming a key measure of business success and destination resilience. PHIST provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore practical solutions that create measurable value for businesses, communities and destinations alike. We are delighted to welcome delegates from around the world to Phuket,” said Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of the Phuket Hotels Association.

PHIST 2026 will take place at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Monday 7^th September 2026, from 09:00 to 18:00 hrs. Attendance is free-of-charge, with advance registration required.
 
So, don’t miss the chance to meet like-minded professionals and learn how effective sustainable operations can help to make your tourism business stronger, more resilient and more profitable. Click here to register – see you in Phuket!
 
To learn more, please visit phist.phukethotelsassociation.com