Sustainability Spotlight: Club Wyndham Asia's Community Impact
The importance of sustainability in the travel and hospitality industry has grown significantly in recent years. With increasing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of tourism, travellers are seeking out companies that prioritise responsible practices. One such leader in sustainable travel is Club Wyndham Asia. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community impact, Club Wyndham Asia via its parent company, global hospitality leader, Travel + Leisure Co., goes above and beyond standard corporate responsibility, actively engaging in initiatives that benefit the environment and society.
Club Wyndham Asia’s Commitment to Sustainability
At the core of Club Wyndham Asia’s operations is a firm commitment to sustainability. The club aims to provide exceptional holiday experiences while minimising its environmental footprint and maximising positive community impact. Club Wyndham Asia’s seeks to be the leading sustainable vacation ownership brand in the region, setting the standard for responsible tourism.
To achieve these goals, Club Wyndham Asia via its parent company, Travel + Leisure Co. has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives across its managed resorts to reduce its carbon footprint. From reducing energy consumption to promoting local economic development, each initiative is designed to create a positive impact on the environment and local communities. A large emphasis has also been placed on eliminating single-use plastic from the club’s managed resort operations across Asia Pacific.
Environmental Initiatives
Club Wyndham Asia takes significant measures to minimise its ecological footprint. Various eco-friendly practices have been implemented, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of its resort operations. These initiatives include:
As an example of one of many tree planting initiatives, the Club Wyndham Asia resort at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay in Thailand is growing its own fresh produce for member and guest meals through a specially-planted orchard and herb garden.
Team members have transformed a 6,000 square metre block of land above the resort with 160 coconut trees, 180 banana trees, 180 papaya trees, and four kinds of home-grown spices: lime, kaffir lime, lemongrass and fingerroot. All are common ingredients in Thai cooking and the fresh produce grown is served to members and guests. The quantities of fruit and spices will eventually be substantial enough to consistently supply all the food and beverage outlets onsite. Guests participating in the resort’s renowned cooking classes are invited to pick their own fruit, vegetables, and herbs to feature in their dishes.
As part of this sustainability initiative, the resort’s food waste is collected, composted, and used as fertiliser for the fruit trees and herbs.
The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability has been recognised through various certifications and awards, further validating its dedication to responsible practices.
In 2019, Travel + Leisure Co. was awarded the HM Award for Best Environmental Program in the Australasian hotel industry along with Community Service of the Year award issued by The Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council, (under its former name, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific).
Additionally, Club Wyndham Asia resort, Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay received the 2023 International Sustainable Award from the New York-based Luxury Lifestyle Awards. This award recognises and honours the hotel’s proactive efforts to implement sustainable business practices in the hospitality industry, highlighting individual programs that advance environmental progress and demonstrate leadership and commitment to a sustainable future.
Community Engagement Programs
Club Wyndham Asia understands the importance of actively engaging with local communities. The club has developed a range of community engagement programs that aim to make a positive difference in the lives of people living near its resorts. These programs include:
Club Wyndham Asia actively collaborates with local organisations and community groups to support various initiatives. By working together, Club Wyndham Asia and its partners can create meaningful and sustainable change within the communities they operate.
Efforts have been expanded across the region, with over 500 fruit trees planted in the Philippines by Travel + Leisure Co. employees to provide a food source and income for an indigenous community. Additionally, the company partnered with the Pag-asa Pawikan Protection and Conservation Centre to conserve marine turtles. This program offered approximately 3,000 staff members across Asia Pacific the opportunity to sponsor a turtle nest, resulting in the successful release of close to 140 baby turtles into the ocean this year.
Club Wyndham Asia and its parent company, Travel + Leisure Co. initiates and supports community projects that address critical issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. These projects aim to improve the quality of life for local residents and contribute to the long-term development of the community.
In Fiji, during the refurbishment of resort apartments, quality mattresses, furniture, linens, and roof thatching are donated to villages and schools. Club Wyndham Denarau Island in Fiji has also created a successful vegetable garden, with produce sold at the resort’s onsite marketplace. All funds raised are directed towards local charities and community projects, including a children’s orphanage and women’s shelter.
Empowering Local Economies
One of the company’s key objectives is to create a positive economic impact in the regions where it operates. The club actively supports local businesses, artisans, and communities by sourcing products and services locally. This approach not only boosts the local economy but also promotes cultural exchange and preserves traditional crafts and practices.
Educational Outreach
Education plays a vital role in promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. Club Wyndham Asia recognises this and via its parent company, Travel + Leisure Co. has implemented various educational programs and initiatives within local communities. These programs aim to raise awareness about sustainable practices and inspire individuals to make a difference. By educating members, guests and local residents, Club Wyndham Asia is fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Member Involvement
Club Wyndham Asia actively encourages its members to participate in sustainability efforts. By involving members in various initiatives, the club creates a sense of shared responsibility and empowers individuals to contribute to positive change. Members can participate in activities such as beach clean-ups, tree planting, and educational workshops, allowing them to actively engage with the communities they visit.
To sustain enthusiasm and promote awareness of sustainability within the organisation, the Caught Green Handed incentive program was established by Travel + Leisure Co. to recognise staff members globally who demonstrate sustainable practices. Award recipients receive $100 and have a tree planted in their name through the company’s partnership with the Arbour Foundation.
Caring for the environment yields beneficial results. From the Great Barrier Reef to the beaches of Phuket, Club Wyndham Asia resorts are located in some of the most beautiful destinations on earth. These efforts aid in the protection of the natural word for future generations. By prioritising environmental stewardship, Club Wyndham Asia enhances member satisfaction, demonstrating its commitment to responsible business practices and the well-being of the planet.
“I’ve had a wonderful experience at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket. The hotel has good service, is clean, and has a quiet feeling – like visiting the mountains and the sea at the same time. Shuttle service is available for airport, shopping malls and beaches, which makes it more convenient to travel. The hotel has many pools. Therefore, guests can choose to use the swimming pool near the room at their convenience. The room is big, suitable for relaxation, the view and the atmosphere are surrounded by mountains. In the morning, the atmosphere is very good because of the trees.”- Chawalit Phithukpornpunlop
Explore the impact of Club’s environmental initiatives on member satisfaction! Learn more about Club Wyndham Asia’s positive feedback on its reviews and testimonials page.
Measurable Impact
Club Wyndham Asia’s sustainability efforts have yielded significant positive impact. By focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and community engagement, Travel + Leisure Co. and its vacation clubs have been able to create measurable change. Some key achievements include:
- A significant reduction in energy consumption through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies
- Substantial waste reduction and increased recycling rates across resorts
- Water conservation measures resulting in significant reductions in water consumption
- Positive economic impact on local communities through support for local businesses and artisans
- Improved educational opportunities and awareness about sustainability for staff members and within local communities
Building a Sustainable Future with Club Wyndham Asia
Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact on the environment and local communities. Join Club Wyndham Asia in its journey towards sustainable travel and be part of a movement that prioritises responsible practices and the well-being of the planet.
