On April 26, 2025, A group of students and instructors from Dusit Thani College participated in an inspiring and educational field trip at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, to explore the integration of sustainability in the hospitality industry. The event was designed to provide real-world insights and hands-on experience in applying sustainable practices within the sector.
The morning session featured an engaging knowledge-sharing seminar led by experts from The Athenee Hotel. The discussion highlighted the hotel’s innovative sustainability initiatives, including waste management programs, energy-efficient practices, and efforts to reduce carbon footprints. Students gained valuable insights into how these practices enhance operational efficiency while fostering environmental stewardship.
Building the Future: Group Workshop on Sustainable Concepts
In the afternoon, students took part in a dynamic group workshop focusing on designing sustainability concepts for future hotel rooms or restaurants. Collaborating in teams, they brainstormed and developed creative ideas that aligned environmental concerns with the expectations of modern travelers. The project was designed using the design thinking framework, introduced by our facilitator with a senior student of Dusit Thani College who went to the sustainable hospitality competition last year to share his experience and the use of the framework in collaborating the ideas into the concept.
The highlight of the workshop was the announcement of the winning concept, Nuvaterra – A New Era of Sustainable Stays.” This innovative idea proposed the integration of AI technology and gamification to stimulate sustainable cognitive mindsets among hotel guests. By engaging customers in interactive, eco-conscious activities during their stay, the concept aims to foster long-term behavioral change while offering a unique and immersive experience.
Bridging Education and Industry for a Sustainable Future
This field trip exemplified Dusit Thani College’s commitment to experiential learning, allowing students to explore practical applications of sustainable business practices. “This activity helps us connect theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges,” said one student participant. “It also deepens our understanding of sustainability and how it can drive innovation in hospitality.”
The event underscored the importance of integrating environmental concerns into hospitality management and inspired students to envision a more sustainable future for the industry. The collaboration between Dusit Thani College and The Athenee Hotel serves as a shining example of how education and industry can join forces to address pressing global issues.
