Agoda, GSTC launch free sustainable tourism academy to enhance the hospitality sector in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia

SOUTHEAST ASIA – Hotels across Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are set to benefit from a major sustainability boost through the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a complimentary digital training platform developed by Agoda in partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

This initiative responds directly to the rising global demand for eco-conscious travel by equipping hospitality professionals with practical, region-specific tools to embed sustainability into their operations.

The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers multilingual modules tailored to the unique environmental and cultural conditions of Southeast Asia, with content available in English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian.

Designed for busy hoteliers, the self-paced platform includes interactive exercises, real-world case studies, assessments, and discussion forums to engage users and provide actionable insights.

Built around the globally recognized GSTC Standard, the training covers four core areas: sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

Unlike many theoretical programs, this academy emphasizes practical strategies that hotels can implement immediately to reduce their ecological footprint, attract sustainability-minded guests, and comply with international tourism standards—all without incurring additional budgetary burdens.

The platform’s content was developed collaboratively by Agoda’s Sustainability Team alongside GSTC experts and regional consultants, ensuring relevance and applicability across diverse hospitality settings—from boutique resorts in Bali to urban hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate jointly issued by GSTC and Agoda, formally recognizing their expertise in sustainable tourism practices.

The academy was officially launched on May 30, 2025, in Bangkok, drawing over one hundred hospitality professionals from across Southeast Asia.

The event featured expert-led workshops and networking sessions, underscoring the growing collective momentum toward sustainable hospitality in the region.

By fostering widespread adoption of green practices, the Sustainable Tourism Academy supports Southeast Asia’s transition to responsible tourism, aligning with global goals such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Agoda and GSTC encourage hotels of all sizes and roles within the tourism value chain to participate, ensuring sustainability becomes embedded at every level of the industry.

This initiative marks a milestone in Southeast Asia’s hospitality sector, providing essential tools to navigate evolving traveler expectations and environmental challenges, while positioning hotels to thrive in the rapidly growing market for sustainable travel.

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