Bangkok, Thailand, July 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Alliance Network – an international organization specializing in hotel management, the food industry and culinary arts education, with members in 22 countries across all continents, including Turkey, Canada, Cyprus, France, Mexico, Finland, Chile, Cameroon, Singapore, Malta, the United States, Greece, Taiwan, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Lebanon, South Korea and Thailand – recently hosted the “Sustainability in Hospitality 2025” competition.

This global competition challenged students from member countries to present innovative business ideas for a more sustainable future for the hotel industry. The students from Dusit Thani College rose to the challenge with flying colors, prevailing against their international competitors by winning both the top prize and second place.

Grand Prize: “SHINRAI”. Presented by first-year students of the Professional Culinary Arts (International Program) – Sirin Nantaprayoon, Runchana Thumthan, and Phichayut Saechiam – the project embodied the principles of zero-waste gastronomy. By combining Japanese cooking techniques with regional Thai ingredients, the team created a sophisticated culinary experience that minimizes food waste, supports small-scale producers, and reduces CO₂ emissions – while simultaneously telling a deeply rooted regional story through the kitchen.

Second place: “Re-leaf.” This project was developed by Mr. Kullakola Kuramarohit (Hospitality Management, International Program) together with Mr. Nattawat Theeraloetphanit and Ms. Kanthima Mongkolyong (Professional Culinary Arts, International Program). Their concept introduced a new model for sustainable wellness tourism in Chiang Rai, Thailand: an eco-conscious stay on a working farm. By integrating traditional healing methods with circular economy principles, the project aims to strengthen local communities and allow travelers to experience an authentic and immersive connection with the place.