Phuket’s PHIST 2023 is gearing up to spotlight the flourishing farm-to-fork movement and its critical role in advancing sustainability and social responsibility within the travel and hospitality industries.

Set to take place on September 4, the event is promising an engaging day-long agenda filled with interactive debates, discussions, exhibitions, and esteemed industry leaders. Notable figures such as Banyan Tree founder KP Ho and design icon Bill Bensley will be headlining the event.

With a strong focus on the culinary facet of sustainability, attendees at SAii Laguna Phuket will have the unique opportunity to indulge in world-class farm-to-fork gastronomy orchestrated by three distinguished culinary experts. These chefs, namely Rick Dingen, Xavier Charest-Rehel, and Tipaporn Phianthong, are set to showcase their expertise and innovative approaches.

Phuket’s farm-to-table culinary movement is shaping a sustainable future for hotels across the region

Rick Dingen, the Executive Chef at Jampa Restaurant, has gained acclaim through the prestigious Michelin Green accolade, which lauds his commitment to zero-waste cuisine.

Xavier Charest-Rehel, the Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket, will also make a significant contribution by showcasing his adeptness in managing the Veya Pharm organic garden, which emphasizes clean and sustainable farming techniques.

Additionally, Tipaporn Phianthong, the Head Chef of Banyan Tree Phuket’s Saffron Restaurant, will play a pivotal role in the culinary presentations.

Throughout PHIST 2023, these accomplished chefs will lead live cooking demonstrations that offer attendees an up-close look at their culinary creations. They will also explain the significance of sustainable practices, farm-to-fork dining, and zero-waste approaches. The event aims to educate participants about the importance of these practices while treating them to delectable dishes prepared by these skilled chefs.

Bill Barnett, the Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and co-organizer of PHIST 2023, expressed enthusiasm about featuring these chefs. He emphasized that dining experiences have become central to travel in Phuket and that adopting sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also enriches dining experiences, supports local suppliers, and attracts food enthusiasts with a passion for conscious consumption.

For the Banyan Tree Group, organic cuisine lies at the heart of its culinary philosophy. Xavier Charest-Rehel’s work in establishing the Veya Pharm, an organic garden supplying the resort’s restaurants and staff canteen, underscores the group’s dedication to incorporating highly nutritious ingredients sourced seasonally and regionally. Chef Xavier emphasizes the commitment to sustainable alternatives that positively impact the environment and local communities.


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The Phuket Hotels Association, another co-organizer of PHIST 2023, actively champions farm-to-fork dining and zero waste. Through its “Green Planet School” initiative, the association extends its efforts to local schools in Phuket, offering children the chance to learn about food cultivation and environmental conservation through small organic gardens. This project has been successfully implemented in four schools, each partnered with a member hotel of the association.

With the event on the horizon, PHIST 2023 anticipates providing visitors with invaluable insights into the convergence of sustainability, culinary excellence, and responsible tourism. The event will underscore the pivotal role that these practices play in shaping the future of the travel and hospitality sectors.

To register, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/phist-6-phuket-hotels-island-sustaining-tourism-tickets-644279787187