## Agoda and USAID Empower Bali’s Hotel Industry with Sustainable Tourism Training
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), in partnership with Agoda and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), recently conducted a impactful Hotel Sustainability Training for industry professionals in Bali. Held from October 10th to 11th, 2024, the event marked a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region.
This initiative, designed to equip hotel professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to implement sustainable practices, attracted 55 participants, making it the largest of its kind in Indonesia. The training program focused on the GSTC Criteria, which serve as global standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Tourism
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director at Agoda, and Phillip Greene, Deputy Director of the Economic Growth and Education Office at USAID/Indonesia. They emphasized the crucial role of sustainable tourism in preserving Bali’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
IB Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Bali Chapter of The Indonesian Tourism Industry Association, and Dr. Agus Made Yoga Iswara, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association, also shared their insights on the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector.
Training for a Sustainable Future
The training, led by GSTC Trainer Mochamad Nalendra and Co-Trainer Herdi Andrarilachi, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development principles. They explored best practices and real-world case studies from the hotel industry, gaining a deep understanding of the GSTC Hotel Criteria.
Positive Impact and Future Aspirations
Mochamad Nalendra, the GSTC Trainer, expressed his satisfaction with the participants’ enthusiastic engagement and their commitment to integrating sustainable practices into their operations. He highlighted the training’s role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Bali as a thriving tourist destination.
Boratay Uysal, CSR & Sustainability Senior Manager at Agoda, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability initiatives in Bali and Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of supporting accommodation partners in their sustainability journey and enabling them to achieve sustainability certifications.
Phillip Greene, Deputy Director Economic Growth and Education Office, USAID/Indonesia, stressed the vital contribution of the Indonesian tourism sector to the country’s economy. He emphasized the need to incorporate sustainable environmental practices across the sector, starting with enhancing knowledge among industry professionals.
A Collaborative Success Story
This event marked the ninth collaboration between Agoda and GSTC, and the fifth with USAID as part of the U.S. Support for Economic Growth in Asia (US-SEGA) project. Building on a series of successful trainings in Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, this year’s event in Bali collectively educated over 450 hoteliers.
Certification and Future Opportunities
Upon completing the training, participants received a certificate of attendance, fulfilling a requirement for obtaining the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. They can further their knowledge and earn this prestigious certification by taking an online exam within the next four weeks. US-SEGA, a partner in the Sustainable Tourism Development Initiative, provides scholarships for the official GSTC Sustainable Tourism Exam.
This collaborative effort by Agoda, USAID, and GSTC signifies a commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Bali’s tourism sector. By equipping hotel professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, they are empowering them to lead the way in responsible tourism practices, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem for generations to come.
