Digital travel platform Agoda collaborated with the Government of Goa and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to organize a Hotel Sustainability Training for industry professionals from 28 to 29 November 2023 at Park Regis, Goa. This two-day program brought together local hoteliers for a series of sessions led by influential industry experts, aiming to provide them with the competencies and tools necessary to enhance their sustainability practices. 

Throughout the training, participants immersed themselves in real-world insights drawn from best-in-class sustainability practices and actual hotel case studies. Using a checklist from the GSTC Industry Criteria for hotels, which is globally recognized as a standard for sustainability in travel and tourism, attendees were empowered to assess their current performance and then set achievable short-, medium-, and long-term sustainability objectives.

Krishna Rathi, Agoda Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, sharing his views on the initiative, said, “We are honored to announce our partnership with the Government of Goa and the GSTC for the inaugural session of our Hotel Sustainability Training in India. This initiative, a modest yet important step, aligns with the Goa Roadmap and ‘Travel for LiFE’, contributing to our collective vision. Agoda is committed to fostering responsible connections between people and destinations. Embracing sustainability practices is more crucial than ever for a more sustainable future in the hospitality industry. With the right knowledge and tools, we aim to accelerate this evolution.” Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism (Goa), at the opening ceremony of the training, commented, “Our government has made sustainable tourism a top priority, and this initiative by Agoda aligns seamlessly with our vision. By equipping hotel professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt sustainability practices at their properties, we can create a more responsible and resilient tourism industry in Goa. I encourage all hotel professionals to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about sustainable tourism and what practices they can incorporate into their daily operations.”

To date, over two hundred hoteliers have taken part in the GSTC/Agoda program throughout previous editions in Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. More than forty participants attended the Hotel Sustainability Training in Goa. Among the attendees for the inaugural edition in Goa were general managers and senior executives from hotels including Accor, Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Park Regis Goa, and Radisson Goa Candolim.