There is a need to balance the economic benefits of the tourism industry with its environmental impact. While the sector drives economic growth to communities, it can also bring about challenges such as environmental degradation, energy and water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
As a responsible corporate entity, AHG Hotels and Resorts supports sustainability efforts as part of its hotel management policies and champions the need for the Philippine travel industry to incorporate green initiatives in the way they do business. AHG manages several properties that highlight the beauty of nature, including Anya Resort Tagaytay, Club Punta Fuego, Terrazas de Punta Fuego, Reside Siargao, Brio de Agoho Zambales, Amarah Hotel Butuan, Niyama Wellness Center, Ylang Ylang Spa and Go Hotels Airport Road Manila, Ermita, Timog and North EDSA.
AHG recently launched its “I Choose Green” campaign that promotes a message of sustainability among employees, guests, stakeholders, and the community. Juan Roca, AHG Group Managing Director says, “The ‘I Choose Green’ program is our commitment to sustainable practices both big and small. Internal improvements such as regularly evaluating and adjusting our water and electricity usage, to changes noticeable by guests such as paperless check-ins and biodegradable packaging — all to consistently elevate our environmental standards. This program sets an example for all our team members, guests, and partner companies. It also serves to make a mark of commitment to preserving the environment by taking necessary steps. Our guests will notice the use of earth-friendly cutleries and containers, effective waste management, and the elimination of single use plastics, alongside other community projects that campaign for sustainable practices. This program creates a culture that fosters a healthy physical and social environment for all.”
Juan Roca as a panelist for the topic Mapping a Greener Path at the recently conducted Hotel + Accommodation Summit in Shangri-la EDSA
“I Choose Green” program sets an example for all team members, guests, and partner companies
Green is in
To encourage more industry players to go green, AHG recently participated in 2 hospitality summits where sustainability came up as a significant focus alongside technology, the Hotel + Accommodation Summit in Shangri-la EDSA, wherein Roca was one of the panelists on the topics of Mapping a Greener Path; and the 6th Philippine Hospitality Summit, which discussed topics on environmental issues and social responsibility.
The ‘I Choose Green’ program is AHG’s commitment to sustainable practices both big and small
AHG recently launched its “I Choose Green” campaign that promotes a message of sustainability among employees, guests, stakeholders, and the community
“Sustainability, when done holistically, is attractive and noteworthy. More than adopting environmentally benefiting practices, sustainability is a part of a company’s culture. Sustainability celebrates diversity and does not tolerate discrimination and inequalities caused by different social backgrounds,” Roca says.
AHG Hotels and Resorts’ managed properties bear a trademark of Filipino hospitality that blends the genuine sincerity of human service and the ease of use of digital platforms. “One major innovation is our app – Ask Anya, and Anya Delivers. Check-ins, check-outs, restaurant menus, and more can all be done through the app. This allows us to go paperless and contactless to minimize carbon footprint,” Roca explains. Responsible and environmental-friendly hospitality practices to its operations are evident by using fabric laundry bags that are both stylish and reusable, biodegradable and recyclable materials for tableware and cleaning, where excess items such as usable linens and other amenities are donated to NGOs like Chosen Children. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are locally grown by Tagaytay farmers and artisans and at the property’s own garden to help the local community, promote sufficiency and food security.
Environmental awareness is a regular part of AHG Hotels and Resorts’ training towards advocating for nature conservation. AHG team members have participated educational activities at the reforestation site at Mt. Balabag in the Ipo Watershed. Adopt-A-Tree and Support-A-Ranger campaigns are promoted at AHG managed properties as a pledge of support. Coastal clean-ups are regularly participated by Club Punta Fuego, together with the Annual Turtle Run and Save The Oceans to teach the importance of sea turtle preservation and caring for our beautiful beaches.
AHG’s sustainability efforts are in compliance with the Certified Energy Conservation Officer (CECO) and Certified Energy Conservation Manager (CECM). Permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) are also processed. “We have also enrolled with non-government sectors for sustainability guidance and actively participate in hotel sustainability initiatives. I am proud to share that Anya Resort Tagaytay has recently passed the business sustainability evaluation of Good Travel Scan for its contribution for sustainable tourism and was awarded a Bronze recognition by the Green Destinations and Good Travel Seal,” Roca says.
Most recently, AHG and Roxaco Land CEO and President Santiago “Santi” Elizalde was one of the panelists at the Philippine Host 2024- Phil. Hospitality on Sustainable Tourism. The event brought together leaders in the hospitality industry and stakeholders and discussed sustainability opportunism challengers and solutions. Expect more from AHG to be at the forefront for advocating sustainability in hospitality for the greater good of today and tomorrow.
Pillars for sustainability in the industry
The green initiatives that are in place in AHG’s Corporate DNA is in keeping with its Five Pillars of Services that support the growth of their industry clients towards a more sustainable future. The First Pillar is Property Branding, to help the property establish a strong identity and set it apart from its competitors. The Second Pillar is Hotel & Resort Management Services to help establish the fundamental aspects of the operations. The Third and Newest Pillar is Wellness & Spa Management to support the property in developing a holistic offering and to ease the challenges of daily operations. The Fourth Pillar is Revenue Management and Distribution, to help optimize revenue across various aspects, from rooms to F&B, and spa services. The Fifth Pillar, Consultancy Services, performs assessments towards making the right management decisions for the property.
Learn more about bespoke hospitality solutions with a complimentary initial property audit. For inquiries, email info@AHG.com.ph or call +63 917 852 7604 or +63 908 818 9418. More details on AHG.com.ph
ADVT.
This article is presented to you by AHG.