Thursday, May 22, 2025

SAii, the sustainable lifestyle resort brand under S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (PCL) and Singha Estate PCL, continues to pioneer green hospitality and eco-conscious event management in Southeast Asia.

The brand’s flagship properties — SAii Laguna Phuket in Thailand, SAii Lagoon Maldives, and SAii Phi Phi Island Village — have earned top sustainability recognitions, reaffirming their leadership in environmentally responsible tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sectors.

These accolades reflect strategic investments and ongoing commitments to sustainable development, aligning with both national and international frameworks for green tourism promoted by organizations like the UNWTO, TAT and the Maldives Ministry of Tourism.

SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives stand out as the first venues in their respective countries to receive the prestigious Gold Certification from the Event Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards. This certification is awarded after rigorous evaluation of venues’ environmental, social, and economic sustainability practices, emphasizing waste reduction, energy efficiency, community engagement, and sustainable procurement.

This milestone makes SAii Laguna Phuket the pioneer venue in Thailand to meet and exceed the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) high standards for sustainable MICE facilities, reinforcing the country’s commitment to positioning itself as a green meetings and events destination.

Similarly, SAii Lagoon Maldives, situated within CROSSROADS Maldives — the nation’s first multi-island leisure destination — leads the Maldives in sustainable event hosting. The resort is instrumental in integrating conservation efforts, such as coral propagation and marine biodiversity protection, into its MICE offerings, reflecting government priorities outlined in the Maldives’ Strategic Action Plan for Tourism 2020-2025.

SAii Laguna Phuket’s ocean-facing 1,900-square-metre MICE centre boasts cutting-edge facilities including the Similan Ballroom, nine breakout rooms, and multiple outdoor arenas, all equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. Beyond infrastructure, the resort has embraced comprehensive sustainability initiatives in line with the Thailand MICE Venue Standards issued by TCEB and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Noteworthy initiatives include the complete elimination of single-use plastics at events, the adoption of reusable décor, and the installation of clearly marked recycling stations throughout the venue.

The resort also offers green transport options to reduce carbon emissions associated with guest and delegate travel.

A key innovation is the resort’s carbon footprint calculator, which enables event organizers to quantify and actively reduce their environmental impacts, supporting Thailand’s national target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25% by 2030 under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

SAii Laguna Phuket is also deeply involved in community-driven environmental conservation efforts. It partners with the local non-profit Seeds of Change to produce eco-friendly beach bags made from upcycled materials derived from the resort’s renovations. This initiative supports local artisans while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Guests can participate in community-based activities like beach clean-ups and traditional Thai cooking classes that emphasize local produce, enriching the cultural experience while fostering environmental awareness.

The resort has introduced a ‘Sustainable Sleep’ concept in its accommodations, featuring eco-friendly King Koil mattresses crafted from allergen-proof and moisture-repellent materials. This initiative reduces the environmental footprint of hospitality operations, aligning with global best practices recommended by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Dining at SAii Laguna Phuket reflects sustainability in gastronomy, with menus highlighting locally sourced ingredients and organic produce grown in the on-site garden. Guests can enjoy carbon-neutral water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and hobby cats, promoting zero-emission recreational activities.

SAii Lagoon Maldives has earned the distinction of being the first Maldivian venue awarded GOLD Certification by the EIC, further elevating the nation’s profile as a responsible luxury travel destination.

As part of CROSSROADS Maldives, the resort integrates a unique Maldives Discovery Centre and a Marine Discovery Centre staffed by marine biologists, enabling guests and corporate groups to engage directly with conservation projects including coral reef restoration.

The resort’s dedicated 326-square-metre Event Hall caters to over 400 delegates and incorporates the “Meet with Purpose” concept endorsed by Hilton Worldwide. This initiative focuses on reducing environmental impacts through waste minimization, energy efficiency, and sustainable culinary experiences.

To reduce waste, SAii Lagoon Maldives avoids polystyrene use, limits paper through digital documentation, and harnesses renewable energy with solar panels. Energy-efficient equipment, including LED displays, is used throughout the venue, while single-use plastics have been eliminated in line with the Maldives’ commitment to banning plastic items by 2023 as stated on the Maldives Ministry of Environment.

Events often incorporate interactive and educational activities such as local cooking demonstrations with organic and locally sourced ingredients, enhancing cultural exchange while promoting sustainable food practices aligned with global health and sustainability goals.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village has been recognized by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts globally, highlighting its pioneering eco-tourism efforts. The resort has recently introduced an eco trail offering curated routes for kayaking, cycling, and snorkeling that showcase the island’s biodiversity and natural landscapes, fostering environmental education and appreciation among guests.

The resort also organizes corporate retreats and team-building activities that engage participants in conservation efforts, such as mangrove planting and marine biology workshops at the on-site Marine Discovery Centre. These programs are designed to connect guests with local ecosystems and contribute positively to environmental stewardship.

The accomplishments of SAii’s resorts underscore S Hotels and Resorts’ overarching sustainability agenda. Their consistent recognition from the Event Industry Council and Green Globe, an internationally acknowledged certification program endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), affirms their position as industry leaders in green hospitality.

The Green Globe certification evaluates comprehensive sustainability criteria covering environmental management, social responsibility, cultural heritage preservation, and economic development, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SAii’s approach to sustainability aligns with Thailand’s and Maldives’ national tourism development strategies that emphasize eco-friendly growth, community involvement, and conservation. Both countries prioritize sustainable tourism to protect natural assets that are foundational to their tourism economies.

As the travel and tourism industry rebounds from recent global disruptions, sustainability remains a top priority for destinations and operators alike. The recognition of SAii resorts’ green initiatives reinforces the critical role of environmentally responsible practices in attracting discerning travelers and MICE organizers seeking venues that meet stringent sustainability standards.

Thailand’s Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have launched multiple initiatives supporting sustainable travel, such as the “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration” (SHA) program and the Thailand Green Tourism Project. Similarly, the Maldives government has invested heavily in marine conservation and green infrastructure to ensure long-term viability of its tourism sector.

By integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations — from waste management and energy use to community engagement and guest experiences — SAii sets a benchmark for resorts throughout the region and worldwide.

SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Lagoon Maldives, and SAii Phi Phi Island Village exemplify the future of sustainable hospitality and MICE travel in Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

Their achievements in earning the Event Industry Council’s Gold Certification and multiple Green Globe awards demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic sustainability.

These efforts not only support government-led sustainable tourism policies but also resonate with the growing global demand for responsible travel. SAii’s leadership in this area provides a blueprint for other resorts and venues aiming to achieve high standards of green certification while delivering exceptional guest experiences.