InterContinental Phuket Resort Becomes the First InterContinental Hotel in Thailand to Achieve GSTC Certification

The Two MICHELIN Key and LEED Gold resort becomes the third IHG property in Thailand to achieve the internationally recognized sustainability certification.

PHUKET, PHUKET, THAILAND, August 25, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Phuket, Thailand – August 2026 –InterContinental Phuket Resort has achieved the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, becoming the first InterContinental hotel in Thailand and the third IHG Hotels & Resorts property in the country to attain the internationally recognized sustainability certification.

The milestone places InterContinental Phuket Resort alongside fellow IHG properties Six Senses Yao Noi and Six Senses Samui, and represents independent recognition of a sustainability journey embedded across the resort – from energy and water management to food-waste innovation, ocean conservation, community engagement and responsible gastronomy.

Independently audited and certified by Control Union Certifications, a GSTC-accredited Certification Body, the certification assesses sustainable tourism practices across four key areas: sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts and environmental impacts.

“GSTC Certification is significant because it independently validates the actions our team has been building into the resort for many years,” said Mr. Bjorn Courage, General Manager, InterContinental Phuket Resort. “For us, responsible luxury means creating exceptional experiences while taking equal responsibility for the environment, our community and the destination we call home. This certification is not the destination; it gives us a stronger framework to keep moving forward.”

Turning Food Waste into a Resource

One of the resort's most tangible examples of circularity begins in its kitchens. The Oklin Food Waste Composter can process approximately 125 kilograms of food waste per day, reducing its volume by 80–90% within 24 hours and converting it into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Approximately 360 kilograms of fertilizer can be generated each month, which is returned to local organizations, schools, the resort's gardens and farms.

At the same time, AI-powered food-waste monitoring gives culinary teams real-time insights into what is being discarded, enabling chefs to refine portion sizes, purchasing and inventory management – addressing waste before it occurs.

Protecting Kamala, From Beach to Ocean

The resort's responsibility extends beyond its boundaries through Proud Kamala, a long-term initiative dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness of approximately three kilometers of Kamala Beach.

More than a beach-cleaning program, Proud Kamala helps reduce pollution and prevent waste from reaching the ocean while supporting local employment, community participation and environmental awareness. By helping preserve Kamala's natural environment, the initiative also contributes to the long-term appeal of the destination and its local tourism economy.

This commitment continues offshore through The Ocean For All Foundation's “License to Clean”, an eco-friendly coastal cleaning catamaran that collects waste from the waters surrounding Kamala. Collected materials are brought ashore for appropriate recycling, reuse or disposal – connecting action on land and at sea to help protect the area's marine ecosystem.

Conserving Water and Energy Behind the Guest Experience

Some of the resort's most significant sustainability actions happen quietly behind the scenes.

Approximately 80% of the resort's landscape irrigation water needs are met through treated wastewater, significantly reducing reliance on potable water, complemented by rainwater harvesting and other water-conservation measures.

As a LEED Gold-certified resort, InterContinental Phuket Resort was also designed with energy efficiency embedded into its infrastructure. Its LEED measures were designed to achieve approximately 25% energy savings, supported by LED lighting, motion sensors, lighting controls and ongoing energy monitoring.

Together, these systems demonstrate that responsible luxury is not simply what guests see, but how a resort manages the resources required to deliver that experience.

Putting Sustainability on the Plate and in the Glass

Sustainability is also experienced through the resort's culinary and beverage philosophy.

InterContinental Phuket Resort works with more than 19 farmers and communities across Thailand, strengthening local sourcing and creating closer relationships between chefs and producers.

Working with local farms in Phang Nga, organic vegetables are grown using fertiliser produced from food-waste compost – connecting the kitchen, composting system and farm in a circular journey that can ultimately return ingredients to the dining table.

This circular approach extends beyond the kitchen to the bar at Sipping Tiger, where sustainability is reimagined in liquid form. In collaboration with Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University, the bar team explores the use of locally sourced plants and botanicals to create innovative, zero-waste cocktails. By transforming underutilized or surplus plant materials into distinctive drinks, Sipping Tiger reduces waste while celebrating Thailand's biodiversity and academic innovation in sustainable food systems.

Redefining Responsible Luxury

GSTC Certification builds upon sustainability principles embedded in InterContinental Phuket Resort since its development.

LEED Gold recognizes sustainability within its design and built environment. GSTC Certification independently validates sustainability across its management and operations. And Two MICHELIN Keys recognise the exceptional quality and character of its luxury guest experience.

Together, they reflect the resort's belief that luxury and sustainability do not need to compete – the future of luxury hospitality requires both.

“Our ambition is not simply to reduce our footprint, but to use hospitality as a force for positive impact,” added Mr. Bjorn Courage. “Whether through the way we manage resources, support responsible food systems or help protect Kamala from beach to ocean, every action contributes to a bigger purpose. GSTC Certification challenges us to keep measuring, improving and doing more.”

For InterContinental Phuket Resort, the achievement is more than another accolade. It is independent recognition of responsible luxury in action – and a commitment to continually raise the standard for sustainable hospitality in Phuket and beyond.

For more information or reservations, please contact:
hom Restaurant
333 Moo 3, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
T: +66 (0) 76 629 999
F: +66 (0) 76 629 990
E: ICPhuket.RSVN@ihg.com
W: https://phuket.intercontinental.com/

Notes to Editors:

Link to download images: https://bit.ly/4cde0At



Media Contact:

Miss Nampetch Tipaxsorn, Director of Marketing Communications

InterContinental Phuket Resort

Nampetch.Tipaxsorn1@ihg.com

Tel: +66 (0) 76 629 999


About InterContinental^® Phuket Resort  

Inspired by Traibhumikatha, the ancient Thai epic that harmonises the three realms of underwater, human, and heaven, InterContinental^® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway set along the pristine shores of Kamala Beach. The resort features 221 elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea, seamlessly blending rich cultural storytelling with contemporary luxury.

The resort is home to eight distinctive restaurants and bars, offering a diverse culinary journey from sustainable Thai cuisine at Jaras and fermentation-led gastronomy at hom, to international cuisine at Pinto, Japanese flavours inspired by Osaka's culinary masters at Tengoku, Champagne beachfront dining and open-fire dining at 333 At The Beach, sunset cocktails at Pine Beach Bar, artisan pastries, freshly baked creations and refined afternoon tea at Devas’ Lounge, and innovative zero-waste mixology inspired by local botanicals at Sipping Tiger.

Resort facilities include the exclusive Club InterContinental^® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness^®, five swimming pools with breathtaking views, a fully equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Guests may also explore the beauty of Phuket’s coastline aboard the resort's 78 feet yacht, WJ Lip, curated for bespoke sea excursions and unforgettable island experiences. Located on the secluded stretch of Kamala Beach, the resort is approximately 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport.


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