Why Hotels Struggle to Go Green | Ep. 4

Why Hotels Struggle to Go Green | Ep. 4

Why aren’t more boutique hotels in Thailand going green? In this episode of Did You Know…?, we dive into a revealing study that asked 18 boutique hotel managers in Phuket what’s really stopping them from adopting sustainable practices. Spoiler: it’s not a lack of interest. We unpack five major roadblocks—from financial pressure and limited government support to cultural habits and concerns about upsetting guests. Tune in to hear what “green hotel” really means behind the scenes, why some sustainability initiatives flop despite good intentions, and what might actually help smaller hotels embrace eco-friendly practices. If you care about sustainable travel, this episode offers a rare, insider look at the hospitality industry’s biggest challenges—and how we might move forward.

Too Much Beach, Not Enough Soft Power? | Ep.3

Everyone knows why people love Phuket—sun, sand, food, and fun. But is that enough to keep tourists coming back? In this episode, we dive into Phuket’s core appeal, based on a study that gathered insights from both international tourists and local tourism operators. What are the island’s biggest strengths—and what challenges are starting to surface? Is it time for Phuket to evolve? Can food, culture, and creative experiences play a bigger role in its long-term tourism strategy? Or will relying on natural beauty no longer be enough in an increasingly competitive travel market? We explore what travelers really think about Phuket (hint: it’s more than just beaches—but not much more), the risks of overdependence on nature, and where Thailand’s national soft power strategy aligns—or misses the mark.

Green Hotels: Who Cares, Really? | Ep. 2

You care about the environment—but does that really influence how you book your next hotel? In this episode, we explore what international tourists in Thailand really think about green hotels. From Phuket to Chiang Mai, we dive into why travelers say they value sustainability… but often don’t act on it when making booking decisions. We break down what tourists actually understand by “green hotel” (hint: it’s not just skipping towel service), why certifications matter—yet awareness remains surprisingly low, and the key barriers holding travelers back: cost, location, and concerns about greenwashing. We also highlight unexpected moments when guests appreciated eco-friendly features without even realizing they’d chosen a green hotel. You’ll come away with a sharper understanding of how sustainable travel is perceived—and what hotels can do to bridge the gap between awareness and action.

Eco-Conscious… Until Vacation | Ep. 1

Can you love nature… and still harm it while on vacation? This episode explores why so many travelers who value environmental stewardship still struggle to act sustainably while on holiday. We unpack the key roadblocks—from convenience and lack of sustainable options to infrastructure gaps and limited awareness. Hear what real tourists had to say about their intentions, behaviors, and where things start to fall apart. Learn why good intentions aren’t enough—and what it really takes to close the attitude–action gap in tourism. And at the end, we flip the question to you: What’s one small change you can commit to on your next trip?