Phuket, Thailand, August 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / One of the world's most inspiring advocates for environmental protection will be the keynote speaker at PHIST this year as Asia's pioneering sustainability event enters its 8th year.

The unsung hero of sustainability, Andrew Dixon, former banker and current environmental activist, owner and operator of two private island resorts in Indonesian waters – Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island – will speak about his comprehensive sustainability platform, which includes not only nature conservation, but also, crucially, culture, community and the economy.

The reports will cover a broad spectrum – from microfinance and cultural integration to a school with over 600 students that provides vital support and development systems extending far beyond tree planting and banning single-use plastics. He will be interviewed by David Johnson, a former journalist and founder of Delivering Asia, one of the region's leading integrated communications agencies and a passionate advocate for the travel industry as a driver of positive social change.

Other prominent speakers include Jerawan (Blue) Srepetchdanond, an impressive advocate for environmental protection and director of Intrinsics, the pioneering company behind the groundbreaking ceremony for Forestias in Bangkok by the Magnolia Quality Development Corporation.

In addition to leadership seminars and 18 workshops and learning platforms, the exhibition area features the region's top sustainability innovators. These include Winnow, a leading company that uses AI to unlock the potential of food waste for increased efficiency and profit maximization; Diversey, a global company specializing in hygiene and cleaning solutions; and Escape Nomade, an expert in outdoor accommodations.

“We look forward to expanding the learning experience this year and establishing ourselves as the leading regional platform for the industry, so that it can not only learn about positive social and environmental changes – and how it can contribute to them – but also learn how this can positively impact its business results,” said co-founder Bill Barnett, CEO of C9 Hotelworks.