The InterContinental Phuket Resort has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first InterContinental property in Thailand to earn certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). It is also the third property under the IHG Hotels & Resorts umbrella in Thailand to receive this esteemed recognition. The certification process, conducted by Control Union Certifications, a GSTC-accredited body, evaluated the resort across four key areas of sustainable tourism: management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental performance.
Among the resort’s notable sustainability initiatives is its food-waste reduction program, which utilizes an Oklin Food Waste Composter. This system is capable of processing approximately 125 kilograms of food waste daily, reducing waste volume by 80-90% within 24 hours and converting it into fertilizer. This results in the production of about 360 kilograms of fertilizer each month, which is distributed to local organizations, schools, gardens, and farms. Additionally, the resort employs AI-based food-waste monitoring to help culinary teams optimize portion sizes, purchasing, and inventory, thereby minimizing waste.
Environmental efforts extend beyond the property to Kamala Beach through the Proud Kamala initiative, aimed at maintaining three kilometers of coastline and reducing marine waste. The resort supports the Ocean For All Foundation’s “License to Clean” initiative, using a coastal-cleaning catamaran to collect waste from nearby waters, which is then sorted for recycling, reuse, or disposal. Water conservation is also a priority, with 80% of landscape irrigation needs met by treated wastewater, supplemented by rainwater harvesting and other measures to reduce reliance on potable water. The resort is LEED Gold certified, incorporating energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting, motion sensors, and energy monitoring, contributing to approximately 25% energy savings.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability also includes local sourcing, partnering with over 19 farmers and communities across Thailand, including those in Phang Nga. Some of these farms benefit from the fertilizer produced by the resort’s composting process, creating a sustainable cycle that links food production, waste management, and dining operations. Collaborations with Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University at Sipping Tiger highlight the resort’s dedication to using locally sourced plants and botanicals for crafting innovative cocktails, emphasizing materials that might otherwise be overlooked or discarded.
General Manager Bjorn Courage emphasized that the GSTC certification not only validates the resort’s current sustainability practices but also sets a framework for further enhancing its environmental and community initiatives. Located on Kamala Beach, the InterContinental Phuket Resort offers 221 rooms, suites, and villas, complemented by various guest amenities, including restaurants, bars, wellness facilities, and swimming pools. For more information, guests can contact the resort directly.
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