The original edition of PHIST 2020 that was scheduled to take place in Phuket on the 7th of September has now migrated into the digital world.

This year’s keynote speaker is hotel design 'Rock Star', Bill Bensley, the Creative Director at BENSLEY. The mastermind behind many of Asia’s most eclectic and eye-catching properties, Bill will discuss the subject of sustainable hotels in his own inimitable style. He will be joined by the eminent marine biologist Dr. Thamrongnawasawat, who helped to save Thailand’s Maya Bay from ecological disaster, the CEOs of two leading luxury hotel groups, Neil Jacobs of Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas and James Riley of Mandarin Oriental, President of the Phuket Hotels Association Anthony Lark, and many others.

The agenda will embrace the new era of travel and hospitality, in a post-COVID-19 world. Delegates will hear about the post-crisis efforts to prevent over-tourism, the dynamic shift away from mass markets, strategies to conserve natural attractions, the quantification of green travel, farm-to-fork dining, rewilding, renewable energy and more.

“This time last year, nobody could have imagined the situation we now find ourselves in. COVID-19 has turned the industry on its head, but every crisis creates opportunities and this situation could spur a revolution in sustainable travel,” said PHIST co-founder Bill Barnett.

PHIST 2020 will include talks from trailblazing figures on the latest travel trends, educational masterclasses on renewable energy, post-COVID-19 hygiene, green meetings and corporate sustainability for small hotels, an interactive “Virtual Green Groove” exhibition showcasing eco products and services from tech providers, and plenty of digital networking opportunities with speakers, experts and other delegates.

This year, participants are also being encouraged to donate during registration to the Phuket Hotels Association’s Green Planet Learning Hub initiative, which will teach environmental practices to over 5,000 Thai schoolchildren per year.

To learn more about PHIST 2020 and to register your place at this must-attend event, please visit https://phist.phukethotelsassociation.com.