Hello, everyone!

In honor of Earth Day 2025, AST marked the week with two events that place purpose and integrity at the heart of every discussion.

First, we hosted the 2nd Asia Sustainable Travel Forum for Next-Gen Leaders in Manila under the theme “Powering the Future: Renewable Energy in Philippine Tourism.” The event brought together tourism and hospitality students from Far Eastern University Manila to explore how clean energy can transform the sector.

We also joined forces with Baotree to deliver a high-impact webinar, “Beyond Greenwashing: Enabling Verifiable Storytelling in Sustainable Travel,” to spotlight the power of integrity-driven communication in sustainability.

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Powering Philippine Tourism with Renewable Energy Innovations

In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the 2nd Asia Sustainable Travel Forum for Next-Gen Leaders took place in Manila, attended by tourism and hospitality management students from Far Eastern University.

With the theme “Powering the Future: Renewable Energy in Philippine Tourism,” the forum sparked discussions on how renewable energy can reshape the tourism industry in the Philippines, equipping future leaders with ideas and strategies to drive meaningful progress in the industry.

Tourism's Energy Challenges

Tourism and hospitality are energy-hungry industries, especially in remote areas where unstable grids make electricity costly and unreliable.

As Wendell Adrian R. Tamayo, President and CEO of GenWATT Energy Solutions Corporation, emphasized, many remote properties still rely on diesel generators, which drive up costs and emissions. With eco-conscious travel on the rise, hotels face mounting pressure to embrace sustainable energy without sacrificing profitability.

Renewable Energy as a Practical Solution

With abundant sunlight and advancing technology, solar power is fast becoming a smart solution for Philippine tourism. Hybrid systems with long-lasting battery storage now make clean energy viable around the clock.

“Every day the sun rises, we are given free energy,” said Tamayo, who champions solar as both a sound investment and a step toward “energy democratization.” Hotels can now produce their own power, cutting costs and grid dependence.

The impact goes beyond savings. According to Matt Levin Tan, solX Technologies Inc. COO, their solar projects have already offset over 61,000 kg of CO₂, equivalent to planting 2,661 trees.

Such achievements show how clean energy adoption can create tangible environmental benefits while meeting the rising demand for sustainable operations.

Practical Steps for Hospitality Businesses

For many small and mid-sized tourism businesses, lacking access to significant capital and technical expertise stalls the shift to renewables. However, innovative financing models and collaborative approaches are breaking down these barriers.

Lease-to-own models, as what GenWATT provides, eliminate the high upfront costs of solar installations, allowing businesses to spread payments over time while enjoying immediate savings on electricity bills. 

“Look for a partner who can finance without requiring upfront cash,” advised Patricia de Mesa of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), emphasizing the value of reliable providers who handle maintenance and monitoring.

RHR is also piloting solar carports at Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City, turning parking spaces into power sources, a creative workaround for rooftop limitations and a smart use of space.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Energy

Innovation drives change. And Matt Levin Tan, Co-Founder of solX Technologies, is a living proof.

As a university student, he launched solX to tackle energy inefficiencies, showing that combining technical know-how with entrepreneurial spirit can yield impactful results.

"It’s possible to be a student and run a company at the same time. It's not easy. It's going to be one of the hardest things you'll ever do. But if you commit yourself to it, you can turn these challenges into opportunities—not just for personal success, but for a greater impact on society."

He also urged the students to seize opportunities to create meaningful change rather than waiting for others to act.

"If we don't solve our generation's problems, no one else will. And we don't have the time to wait for the next generation to solve our problems for us as well," he added.

Key Takeaways 

At the heart of all the discussions is the urgent need for tourism stakeholders to adopt renewable energy practices. The benefits of doing so are undeniable:

• Save costs. According to Tamayo, combining solar power with energy storage can cut electricity costs by 40% to 80% and reduce the need for diesel generators.

• Stay reliable. Systems such as hybrid solar setups help keep the lights on during power outages so your operations run smoothly and your guests stay happy.

• Reduce environmental impact: Lowering carbon emissions and adopting eco-conscious practices can help you attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers.

Ultimately, the future of tourism depends on how quickly the industry can pivot toward innovative energy solutions. Stakeholders must act now, taking steps such as:

• Evaluate your energy footprint and identify inefficiencies.

• Research renewable energy solutions suitable for your property’s size and location.

• Seek financing partners offering flexible payment options, like lease-to-own models.

• Educate your staff on the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency.

De Mesa said it best, “Think outside the box, utilize whatever you have, and find the right partner who can help leverage your resources.”

Join us at the AST Forum in Ha Noi on June 5, 2025

…to connect, collaborate, and lead the future of sustainable travel.

We’ve been truly energized by the level of interest in the Forum, and even more so by how many of you have expressed interest in taking the stage to share your insights.

It’s a clear signal: Ha Noi’s tourism and hospitality community is ready for a bold new future — one driven by inclusivity, resilience, and purpose.

Speaking and sponsorship opportunities remain open until May 10, 2025.

→ Preview the collaboration benefits.

→ Join our waitlist to receive RSVP details directly in your inbox in the coming days.

Find Your Sustainability Match

Are you a travel or hospitality brand seeking a trusted partner to turn bold sustainability goals — like cutting food waste or eliminating plastic packaging— into real, measurable results?

We are building a platform where hotels and travel companies can connect with vetted sustainability providers.

»»» Check out the AST Sustainability Solution Providers Directory.

Are you a solution provider looking to grow your business with Asia’s travel businesses?

»»» Join the AST Sustainability Solution Providers Collective. We connect innovators like you with Asia’s travel and hospitality leaders, creating opportunities to grow your business and drive sustainable impact.

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