Dusit Hotels and Resorts joins GSTC to support sustainable hospitality worldwide | News
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel management division of Dusit International, has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, marking an important step in the company’s ongoing efforts to embed responsible practices across its global operations.
GSTC is a global non-profit organization that brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to promote sustainable tourism practices worldwide. By becoming a member, Dusit becomes part of a global network committed to knowledge sharing, collaboration and promoting responsible tourism principles across the sector.
Founded in 1949, Dusit International has grown into a diversified hospitality company that includes hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, real estate development and hospitality-related services. Today, the portfolio includes 290 hotels, resorts and luxury villas in 18 countries, representing more than 11,800 rooms under nine distinctive brands.
Central to Dusit’s sustainability strategy is Tree of Life, a group-wide program designed to guide responsible growth while creating a positive impact on the environment and society. Aligned with the United Nations’ key Sustainable Development Goals, specifically climate action, responsible consumption and community engagement, the framework integrates sustainability into all hotel operations, from energy and water efficiency to waste management, employee and guest wellbeing, and community initiatives.
As part of its commitment, Dusit has introduced energy management systems at property level to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy solutions, including solar photovoltaic installations, are already in place at several properties including Dusit Thani Maldives, Dusit Beach Resort Guam, Dusit Thani Kyoto, ASAI Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort.
Water management is supported by water conservation measures and wastewater treatment systems, with treated water being reused for irrigation and landscaping where possible. The group has also introduced measures to reduce the use of single-use plastics, including refillable toiletries, reusable water bottles and more sustainable packaging alternatives.
To tackle food waste, Dusit applies a three-pronged approach, focusing on minimizing waste during preparation, redistributing surplus food through local partnerships where possible, and composting organic waste for use in gardens and community projects.
In addition to environmental initiatives, Dusit continues to promote responsible tourism practices. The company joined The Code – the code of conduct for the protection of children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism – in 2018, integrating preventive measures into policies and providing staff training at its hotels in Thailand.
The company has also signed the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Declaration on Illegal Wildlife Trade, reinforcing its commitment to responsible sourcing and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal wildlife products.
Community engagement remains a key pillar of the group’s approach. Through initiatives such as Dusit Smiles, a partnership with Operation Smile Thailand, the company has raised over THB13 million since 2010, supporting life-changing surgeries and care for more than 750 children in Thailand.
“Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in the travel ecosystem, and it is important that we continue to learn, evolve and collaborate with respected organizations that are helping shape the future of responsible tourism,” said Mr. Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee of Dusit International. “Joining GSTC marks an important step in our journey as we expand internationally. Through Tree of Life, we aim to create meaningful, long-term value for the destinations and communities we serve.”
Mr. Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, said, “GSTC warmly welcomes Dusit Hotels and Resorts as a member organization of GSTC. We appreciate their commitment in supporting our mission and look forward to moving forward together toward this shared and important goal.”
