Global Thinking, Local Action

A Message from Our Founders

Two people standing in front of a large window with greenery visible outside, on a polished wooden floor, inside a stylish room.

Following the success of our first in-person event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we are thrilled to introduce Asia Sustainable Travel Forums (AST Forums) in 2024.

Built on the ‘Global Thinking, Local Action’ ethos, we harness international resources and expertise, while simultaneously addressing the needs and sensitivities of the local community at every AST Forum.

We aim to facilitate discussions on the belief that true progress stems from a harmonious balance between global vision and local action.

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— Rhea and Jeremy

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What makes AST Forums different?

We bring solution-driven sustainability conversations to you.

For many travel SMEs, high entry costs and extended team travel may make attending regional tourism conferences in major Asian cities difficult.

AST Forums are a response to the market’s need for a cost-effective way of participating in the global sustainability conversation.

That’s why we go to places with dynamic yet often overlooked tourism communities.

We welcome diverse perspectives and dismantle echo chambers.

Everyone is welcome to join, whether you are a food supplier, hotel manager, climate scientist, or travel advisor.

We cultivate lasting value by facilitating meaningful conversations across the value chain, from sustainability aficionados and inquisitive minds.

Why join AST Forums?

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 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.

2025 AST Forums

Admittance to AST Forums is by invitation only. For every attendee, we will plant three trees through our partner, OneSeed.

Pagoda surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky.

Hanoi, Vietnam

5 June 2025

(previously listed as May 15 on socials).

Join Waitlist

Indonesia

Q4 (TBC)

Join Waitlist

Previous AST Forums

Asia Sustainable Travel Forum. AST Forum Manila.

Testimonials

Jeffery Smith, Vice President of Sustainability at Six Senses

“It was a privilege to speak at the AST Forum in Phuket on eliminating plastics from hotel operations. It is an area my team and I are deeply committed to at Six Senses.
The AST team curated a thoughtful discussion, tackling both upstream solutions and downstream challenges.
It gave the audience a practical, actionable roadmap, whether they’re just beginning their sustainability journey or already leading the way.”
Cecilia Nguyen, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Urbanist Travel

“Thank you again for this first but powerful event focusing on sustainability in Asia.
Thank you also for bringing the Asia Sustainable Travel Forum to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s important to raise awareness in our travel industry who are the pioneers to lead us to be greener, more responsible and regenerative.”
Samir Wildermann, General Manager at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

“The two sessions at the AST Forum in Phuket addressing plastic pollution in our oceans and the critical water challenges on our island were both timely and highly relevant.
These are issues we confront daily, and the insights shared were not only spot on but essential for shaping sustainable solutions here in Phuket.”
Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director at Phuket Hotels Association

“The AST Forum was a valuable addition to PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) 2024.
It complimented our program well — with critical discussions on two of the most pressing challenges facing Phuket's hotel industry — opportunities for better water management and plastic pollution.
The AST team put together two strong panels of regional experts and local experts who went beyond analyzing issues and offered real-life case studies and practical roadmap for action.
Businesses of all sizes and at various stages of their sustainability journey left with meaningful, actionable insights.”
Dorothée Perrault Le Hunsec, Founder and Managing Director at Chôm Chôm Travel

“Thanks to Jeremy Tran and Rhea Vitto Tabora for having us at Asia Sustainable Travel Forum in Ho Chi Minh City.
It was particularly inspiring to learn more about how sustainable practices have been incorporated into Bạch Suites Saigon's operations, one of which is to have 90% of food sourced locally by working directly with local suppliers in Vietnam. This must be continuously communicated to travelers who are smarter and more eco-conscious these days.”
Khai Tran, Sales & Marketing Manager at Bạch Suites Saigon

“Bạch Suites Saigon was truly honored to host the inaugural discussion and networking event on sustainability in the travel and hospitality industry, organized by Asia Sustainable Travel (AST) and Travel Neutral Collective.
We believe sustainability shouldn't just be a trend but a daily practice.”