Sustainable Hospitality with an Edutainment Approach
S Hotels And Resorts Public Company Limited
INTRODUCTION
S Hotels and Resorts Plc (SHR), hospitality arm of Singha Estate Plc, aims to create awareness of the local environment and community, and the importance of conserving both the natural eco-systems and the cultures of individual communities and to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability by operating all resorts in line with the stringent United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially with regard to SDG14, “Life Below Water”.Following the Company’s philosophy of sustainable development, it carried out various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and initiatives at oceanside properties in Thailand and the Maldives including the development of the Company’s Marine Discovery Centres staffed by a resident expert and initiated specific activities such as coral propagation, clownfish breeding and educational programmes on importance of preserving the local ecosystem and rehabilitating the marine ecosystem.
FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGY
In line with the SDGs, SHR drives several projects including the creation of a Marine Discovery Centre. It is considered a centrepiece of the resorts and a core component of SHR’s focus, which is dedicated to sustainability. Marine Discovery Centres are free-to-enter learning zones providing expert insights into the precious marine eco-systems that surround the resorts.The first facility was opened at Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort in June 2018. Overseen by a highly qualified resident marine biologist, the facility contains a wide range of interactive exhibits and educational displays explaining the life cycles and habits of the unique marine species endemic to the region.
In October 2019, a second Marine Discovery Centre was launched at CROSSROADS Maldives. Corals are nurtured there and prepared for introduction to the sea. In addition, it serves as a think tank for further conservation measures to improve biological diversity in the ecosystem.
ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT
SHR has sustainably protected marine and coastal ecosystems, including coral rehabilitation and propagation projects. As of 2019, 2,164 coral fragments were nurtured at Loh Ba Gao Bay in front of Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort to support Noppharat Thara Beach - Phi Phi Island Marine National Park.At Marine Discovery Centre in CROSSROADS Maldives, 200 coral fragments were also replanted. As Marine Discovery Centres continue to conserve their rich and diverse ecosystems, more marine life and rare species have been spotted at the shores of SHR’s properties in Thailand and the Maldives such as the first sighting of nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles at SAii Lagoon Maldives’ beach in late March 2020.
FUTURE DIRECTION
SHR firmly believes that sustainability is a long-term project and has a responsibility to inform with guests and local communities to conserve and nurture the environment for future generations. The Marine Discovery Centres is a continuation work and a key step towards achieving its goals. It has for many years pursued sustainability initiatives, collaborated between SHR, authorities and academics to contribute to the conservation and restoration of the natural resources.Apart from SDG14: Life Below Water, SHR also emphasises on cultures and community. Maldives Discovery Centre was built in CROSSROADS Maldives to conduct more communityoriented activities. Visitors can explore rich history of the Maldives, marine biodiversity and see how local arts and crafts that have shaped the the island nation’s unique cultural identity through stunning designs and interactive displays.
A third Marine Discovery Centre has been planned at Santiburi Koh Samui, the SHR’s carbon-neutral resort in Koh Samui, Thailand and more projects are planned moving forward.
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SHR), is a fastgrowing
hospitality company that engages in the management of
hotels and resorts and investments in international locations. The
Company has a unique portfolio of 39 properties in desirable global
tourism destinations worldwide.
