Join us to connect, act, and transform travel into a force for positive change in Asia.
Why Ha Noi, Vietnam?
Vietnam isn’t just recovering; it’s setting the pace, outstripping regional powerhouses like Thailand and Indonesia in its post-COVID rebound.
We believe that true leadership in tourism isn’t measured by arrival numbers alone. It’s measured by the ability to build a future that’s sustainable, resilient, and valuable for all involved.
The next chapter for Vietnam’s tourism isn’t about more tourists—it’s about better tourism. And that takes visionary leadership, bold collaboration, and a real commitment to making tourism beneficial for all.
When we hosted the inaugural AST Forum in Ho Chi Minh City in 2023, we witnessed extraordinary energy and untapped potential in the country.
Hanoi, and Vietnam as a whole, is ready not only for a deeper sustainability conversation but also for more impactful action.
Our connection to Vietnam runs deep.
Rhea helped pioneer Hanoi’s early international hospitality scene. Alongside Jeremy, a Vietnamese-born American, they have set their eyes on elevating Vietnam’s purpose-driven, underrepresented travel businesses through AST’s work.
We are not just observers of Vietnam’s travel development. We’re proud partners in its future.
Join us. Be part of the change.
What you can expect from the AST Forum
Cross-sectoral partnerships
Build alliances with mission-driven business leaders across the value chain in travel.
Whether you work in hotel, academia, biodiversity preservation, or sales representation, you are welcome at the AST Forum.
Knowledge sharing & learning
Gain valuable insights and case studies from your host, sustainability and hospitality experts, and your peers.
You’ll walk away with practice tips to implement meaningful changes at your organization and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Market exposure & brand visibility
Increase brand visibility and impact by showcasing your brand to your target market, and acquire new consumers and businesses.
You’ll have an opportunity to attend as a participant to learn and connect, or as a speaker to highlight your brand’s story on stage.
Our Speaker Lineup
Motti Essakow
nestwell and Rythms by Design
Co-Founder
Motti is the cofounder of Nestwell, a platform redefining [Well]being through thoughtful design and slow hospitality, enhancing hotel and spa ecosystems. He also founded Rhythms by Design, Europe’s first responsible luxury sourcing platform, serving the luxury hospitality, wellness, and superyacht sectors.
Dorothee Perrault Le Hunsec
Chôm Chôm Travel
Founder & Director
Since 2014, Dorothée Perrault Le Hunsec has called Vietnam home and founded Chôm Chôm Travel, a boutique agency offering immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventures across 40+ provinces. Committed to responsible tourism, Chôm Chôm connects travelers with Vietnam’s diverse cultures and nature while supporting local communities.
Nguyễn Ngọc Bích (Bobby Nguyen)
Rustic Hospitality Group and Mekong Rustic
Chairman
At Rustic Hospitality Group
and Mekong Rustic, Bobby is a leading advocate for community-based ecotourism, driving impactful initiatives in Vietnam since 2014. With over a decade of leading responsible tourism initiatives in collaboration with international organizations such as Helvetas and WWF, he has helped position tourism as a driver for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and improved community livelihoods.
Pauline Frison
Second Life
Chief Executive Officer
Pauline Frison is an impact entrepreneur and CEO of Second Life, a Thailand-based start-up tackling plastic pollution through community-driven waste management in Southeast Asia. With over 8 years of experience across Asia, she also leads the Thailand chapter of The Matcha Initiative, a network of sustainability professionals fostering change through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Dinh Thuy Nga
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Sustainability Manager
In her current role,, Nga ensures all resort operations align with sustainable and eco-friendly practices, actively engaging hosts to reduce environmental impact. She has helped highlight Six Senses Ninh Van Bay commitment to biodiversity and climate action, earning recognition through awards such as the Human Act Prize 2023, HICAP 2024, and Responsible Tourism Awards 2025.
Jeremy Tran
Asia Sustainable Travel
Co-Founder
Jeremy is an award-winning marketing and communications expert. With over a decade of experience in global branding and marketing, he has advised over 50+ brands on Asia market entry strategy and sustainability integration.
James Thai
AVANA Retreat
Chief Operating Officer
Over the past decade, James has had the opportunity to work on many different exciting travel projects. He established the operation at Exotic Voyages, a luxury travel agency that has sent thousands of travelers across Asia. He's also leading the operation of Avana Retreat, a truly remarkable sustainable mountain retreat in Vietnam's Northwest.
Catherine Germier
Millennium Destinations
Founder & CEO
Catherine Germier is a French impact entrepreneur, consultant, and trainer based in Cambodia, with over 20 years of experience championing tourism as a catalyst for local socioeconomic development and empowerment, while advancing positive tourism places, practices, and experiences. She is the Founder and CEO of Millennium Destinations, a tourism business solutions provider specializing in branding, marketing, and sustainability.
Rhea Vitto Tabora
Asia Sustainable Travel
Co-Founder
Rhea is a marketing advisor with 20+ years of experience in hospitality, PR, branding, sales & marketing across Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. She helps businesses by providing content marketing services that promote responsible hospitality and travel. She is also a certified Meaningful Tourism trainer, a travel journalist and writer, and a speaker and moderator at industry events in Southeast Asia.
Oscar Rapin
Aquila
Sustainability Manager
Oscar helps hotels turn sustainability into action by facilitating investments in high-impact decarbonization projects. He ensures every initiative is not only implemented but also measured, optimised, and made impactful across all departments. Aquila is active across Southeast Asia, supporting sustainability efforts in hospitality, real estate, and manufacturing sectors.
Program
14:00
Reception & Sign-In
14:05
Welcome Remarks
Jeremy Tran, Co-Founder, Asia Sustainable Travel
14:10
From Plastic Pollution to Solution: The Pivotal Role of Hospitality
Plastic pollution is turning Vietnam’s top attractions into environmental liabilities. It’s time to challenge the myth that cheap plastics are necessary for growth.
This session highlights real case studies and actionable strategies from Vietnam and the region, showing how leading businesses are boosting profits, guest satisfaction, and brand reputation by going plastic-free.
15:00
Sustainability: Cost Center or Revenue Driver?
In Vietnam’s fast-evolving market, future-focused businesses know sustainability isn’t a cost; it’s a growth strategy. It drives operational efficiency, customer loyalty, and brand leadership.
This session will unpack case studies from Vietnam and the region, showing how sustainable practices boost both revenue and reputation. Join us to learn how to leverage sustainability into your competitive advantage.
onward
15:50
Networking Reception
Get your pass
Early Bird
USD 35/pass/person
Rewarded to the first 15 registrations
Same benefits as Full Access pass
Full Access
USD 60/pass/person
Full access to the Forum to attend panels and networking for one attendee
Exclusive access to the AST Community Group for peer networking and collaboration
Complimentary 2-month membership to AST+, our soon-to-launch premium platform for sustainability leaders
20% off your next booking of Chom Chom Travel’s Ha Noi Art Tour - more here
10% off spa services and airport transfers with your next stay at Hotel de Lagom
Complimentary afternoon tea and small bites
Premium Access
USD 150/pass/person
This offer is limited to only 5 registrations
Same benefits as Full Access pass
Plus a one-time 45-minute consultation with an AST Co-Founder (normally priced at USD 250)
Your participation helps power real change.
By attending, you’re doing more than joining the conversation; you’re taking action.
5% of all ticket sales will directly support Saigon Xanh’s mission to clean up plastic-choked waterways in Vietnam.
For every attendee, in partnership with OneSeed, we will plant three trees in climate-vulnerable communities, helping to restore ecosystems and protect coastlines.
If you love what they’re doing, we encourage you to continue supporting these incredible organizations beyond this forum.
Sponsorship opportunities
As a sponsor, you’ll have the chance to share your expertise and insights on stage and highlight your brand across our global channels.
Learn more about our sponsorship programs. Or email our team at people@asiasustainabletravel.com.
Previous AST Forums
Phuket, Thailand
Manila, Philippines
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
