Far East Hospitality (FEH), Singapore’s home-grown hospitality management company with an international presence, has announced that all 16 of its hotels in the country have achieved the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels Certification.
With this accreditation, FEH is now the hospitality group with the largest number of GSTC-certified sites in Singapore.
This certification, recognised globally as a benchmark in sustainability, underscores FEH’s dedication to environmental stewardship and aligns with its mission to uphold the highest sustainable hospitality standards.
FEH has conscientiously pursued sustainability initiatives, achieving this certification ahead of the 2025 target set by the Singapore Hotel Association and the Singapore Tourism Board.
This journey includes the annual tracking and monitoring of energy, water, waste, and carbon emissions data, which contribute to Far East Hospitality Trust and Far East Orchard annual Sustainability Reports.
Far East Hospitality has also created the Far More Sustainable framework, which encompasses initiatives to raise awareness about sustainability across its operations. These initiatives include actively encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens, implementing a carbon offset platform, eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, and switching to large amenity dispensers.
FEH also engages with suppliers and local communities to support children/youth beneficiaries and local businesses.
Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality, stated: “Achieving the GSTC certification is a significant milestone for our company. It reinforces our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates to our guests and clients that we are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and positive social impact. This certification is a testament to our current practices and a pledge to continue our journey towards a more sustainable future.”
With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Lowe previously held senior roles at Flight Centre Travel Group.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its portfolio in Indonesia with eight properties launching in four cities this year, following the opening of the 144-room Holiday Inn Resort Canggu, Bali in December 2023.
This announcement was made by Andreas Bergel, area general manager of IHG Indonesia, at Meet and Mingle in Jakarta – the company’s first media event in Indonesia since the pandemic.
Earlier in March, Holiday Inn Lampung Bukit Randu in Lampung Province unveiled its first phase opening with 155 rooms. It targets to finalise the remaining 84 rooms by December. Following that, the 277-key Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar opened its doors on July 6.
Pascal Caubo, general manager of Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar, told TTG Asia that the Indigo brand hotel captures the spirit of the city. Located at the stylish Dago neighbourhood, its design is influenced by Bandung’s cultural traditions and folklore, where guests can enjoy local coffee in the café and authentic delicacies in the restaurant. The hotel also offers two infinity pools and a rooftop bar that frames stunning city views.
Opening in 3Q2024 are the 72-room Holiday Inn Express Sunset Road and the 162-room voco Bali Seminyak – the latter will mark the entry of the voco brand into Indonesia.
The Rumah Luwih Bali, a Vignette Collection, will open later in the year with 72 keys. It will be joined by the 150-suite Regent Bali Canggu.
IHG said in a media statement that, with the introduction of these new brands, it is “ushering in a new era of experience-seeking travellers”.
“This includes couples, friends, and families, all drawn to the continued growth of mainstream brands such as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express,” it cited.
IHG will also open two properties in Bintan in 4Q2024 – the 258-room Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach and the 122-room Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach.
Michael Beechey, cluster general manager of the two Bintan hotels, said they would be differentiated by customer segments. “Hotel Indigo is for experienced travellers; when they have (a) family and want to stay in Bintan, they can come to Holiday Inn Bintan.”