Cover From left to right: Mr Kevin Phun, Choy Teh, Dr Estelle Dinh and Benoit Badufle
From left to right: Mr Kevin Phun, Choy Teh, Dr Estelle Dinh and Benoit Badufle
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During a roundtable session organised by Tatler Gen.T in partnership with VisitMonaco, entrepreneurs and environmental advocates exchanged insights on sustainable best practices, game-changing innovations and industry trends to watch
Earlier this month, Tatler Gen.T partnered with VisitMonaco to host an intimate closed-door discussion on the emerging trends in sustainable tourism and hospitality and the innovative approaches taken by countries and businesses in this area.
Titled From ESG to ROI: How sustainability is reshaping the travel and hospitality landscape, the roundtable session featured two guest speakers: Monaco-based lecturer Dr Estelle Dinh and Singapore-based Kevin Phun, who is a director at The Center for Responsible Tourism Singapore.
Read more: In pictures: A round table on building an agile mind, body and business
Entrepreneurs and environmental advocates exchanged insights at the closed-door Tatler Gen.T and VisitMonaco roundtable event
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Monaco, in addition to its world-famous reputation as a luxury destination, has established itself as a global player in environmental sustainability, thanks to the support of its government. Despite its small size, the principality has made significant strides in implementing eco-friendly policies and encouraging Monaco-based companies to embrace sustainable business practices.
Held at Arcc Spaces at One Marina Boulevard, the roundtable discussion centred around the biggest drivers of change towards sustainability, new innovations that are reshaping travel, the economic benefits of sustainable tourism for local communities, and the critical relationship between governments and businesses to collectively promote responsible tourism and regenerative travel.
Also in attendance were also several Gen.T honourees and sustainability leaders, including Maxim Tint, founder of travel-tech company Gtriip, restaurateur Sam Chua, as well as Tan Szue Hann and Kee Wei Hui, both heads of sustainability at Keppel Land and the MOH Holdings respectively.
Above Speakers for the Visit Monaco roundtable session, Mr Kevin Phun and Dr Estelle Dinh
Above Kee Wei Hui, head of sustainability, MOH Holdings
Speakers for the Visit Monaco roundtable session, Mr Kevin Phun and Dr Estelle Dinh
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“Luxury is no longer simply about material things,” shared Dinh on how the younger generations have a different idea of what luxury means. “It has evolved into exclusive access to experiences. Travellers want to know that the experience they have is unique to them.”
Tint added on by sharing how his company is enabling travellers to check into their hotel rooms privately and seamlessly online, which is in turn allowing hotels to cut down on their usage of physical room cards. Phun also shared in depth about regenerative travel and its role in offering travellers a fresh perspective.
At the end of the discussion, guests acknowledged that while Asia may be several decades behind Europe in sustainability experience, the region is seeing growing interest and innovations from startups and governments alike.
Credits
Photography: Max Chan
Work
Based in Singapore, Valerie Lim is the digital editor for Tatler Power and Purpose, Tatler Asia’s dynamic platform spotlighting industry leaders across the region. Valerie leads the charge in shaping the platform’s digital presence, from overseeing and producing website content to curating social media strategies.
With a finger on the pulse of the region, she keeps an eye out for news and trends in business, innovation and leadership, ensuring the brand stays ahead of the curve in delivering stories that inspire and inform its community of changemakers.
About
Prior to this role, she worked in marketing and communications. She considers herself Singaporean at heart and international by passion. You may recognise her from her 15 minutes of fame when she was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2011. When she is not at her desk, you can find her in the gym or at a yoga studio.
Connect with her via Instagram @msvalerielim, LinkedIn or send press materials, and media invites to valerie.lim@tatlerasia.com
