The InterContinental Phuket Resort has achieved a notable milestone by obtaining certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This makes it the first InterContinental property in Thailand, and the third under IHG Hotels & Resorts in the country, to earn this prestigious recognition for sustainability. The certification process was carried out by Control Union Certifications, an accredited body of the GSTC, which evaluated the resort across various aspects of sustainable tourism, including management practices, socioeconomic and cultural impacts, and environmental performance.
Among the resort’s initiatives, its approach to reducing food waste stands out. Utilizing an Oklin Food Waste Composter, the resort processes approximately 125 kilograms of food waste daily, reducing waste volume significantly by 80-90% within 24 hours and transforming it into fertilizer. This initiative results in around 360 kilograms of fertilizer each month, which benefits local schools, gardens, and farms. Additionally, the resort employs AI-based monitoring systems to help culinary teams identify and minimize food waste by adjusting portion sizes and inventory practices.
Situated on Kamala Beach, the resort actively engages in environmental stewardship through its Proud Kamala program, which aims to preserve roughly three kilometers of coastline and minimize waste in the marine environment. Supporting the Ocean For All Foundation’s “License to Clean” initiative, the resort uses a catamaran to collect and sort marine waste for recycling, reuse, or disposal. Water conservation efforts are also highlighted, with 80% of the resort’s irrigation needs being met through treated wastewater, supplemented by rainwater harvesting and other water-saving measures.
The InterContinental Phuket Resort also boasts a LEED Gold certification, achieved through various energy-saving strategies such as LED lighting, motion sensors, and advanced energy monitoring systems, which collectively contribute to an estimated 25% energy reduction. Local sourcing forms an integral part of its sustainability strategy, with partnerships established with over 19 local farmers and communities in Thailand, including those in Phang Nga. These collaborations not only promote local agriculture but also utilize the fertilizer produced from the resort’s food waste, creating a sustainable cycle from farm to table.
Collaborations extend to the culinary domain as well; at the resort’s Sipping Tiger venue, innovative cocktails are crafted using locally sourced botanicals, in partnership with Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University. This initiative aims to utilize ingredients that might otherwise be overlooked. General Manager Bjorn Courage emphasized that the GSTC certification serves as both a validation and a roadmap for further enhancing the resort’s sustainability and community-focused programs. The InterContinental Phuket Resort, located at Kamala Beach, offers guests 221 rooms, along with a range of amenities including dining venues, wellness facilities, and swimming pools.
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