Uplift Communities

Uplift Communities

Our Approach

Our host communities share their culture, craft, and spirit with our guests—so we give back through volunteering, charitable giving, and community programmes that build strong individuals.

Our focus on 3 Es—Education, Engagement, and Employment—helps us maximise our impact on local communities and support disadvantaged groups.

1
2
3
/3
1
2
3
/3
Education

We support schools through programmes and new facilities to enhance teaching and learning. Our Seedlings programme provides education and vocational skills to prepare young people for life and a career. The StepUp International Laguna Kindergarten (SILK) offers immersive early learning and developmental foundations for about 140 children in Thailand. 

Seedlings Programme

In 2024, our singnature Seedlings programme supported 93 young people with training and mentorship, and provided 2,515 internship opportunities across our hotels and resorts.

StepUp International Laguna Kindergarten (SILK)

In 2024, 140 children were nurtured through the Laguna Phuket Kindergarten and SILK.

1
2
3
/3
1
2
3
/3
Engagement

Through our Stay for Good programme, we invite guests and associates to participate in activities that allow them to care for and learn about the environment, local cultures, and the importance of sustainability and resource conservation.

Learn more
Sustainability Activities

In 2024, 14,229 guests joined 9,960 of our associates to participate in 557 sustainability-focused activities—including coral reef cleaning in the Maldives, releasing sea turtles in Thailand, and planting mangroves in Indonesia. 

Resource Conservation Events

In 2024, we organized 102 resource conservation events for almost 10,000 guests and associates—including recycling workshops, handicraft classes on repurposing goods, and challenges to raise awareness on topics such as food waste.

1
2
/2
1
2
/2
Employment

To support heritage traditions and rural production in countries where we operate, we work with an ecosystem of craft artisans and responsible suppliers to create products for gifting or sale in our Galleries around the world.

Supporting Local Artisans

In 2024, Banyan Gallery commissioned 398,570 from local artisans, supporting 306 artisan communities.

Our Stories
1
2
3
/3
1
2
3
/3
Supporting Small Businesses
Since 2018, Laguna Bintan has been supporting local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by engaging more local resources to drive economic opportunities. One such example is through Banyan Group’s signature Sundown Ritual.

Twice a week, the Sundown Ritual is held at Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia Bintan, inviting guests to indulge in local cuisine while enjoying sunset views with a traditional dance performance. The event also includes a spa experience and Gallery corner, as well as showcases by the community—including traditional craft making, weaving, batik painting, honey tasting—where guests have the opportunity to purchase locally-made items.

Laguna Bintan has also provided equipment support to participating MSMEs and will offer training in 2025 to help them improve the quality and quantity of their production.

Farming to Benefit the Community

To create employment opportunities and supply high-quality products at fair prices to the local community, Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong is supporting a farm owner to revitalise a nearby hydroponic farm. 

Fitted with a simple static water system to manage cost and ensure easy-to-employ farming techniques, planting began in late 2024. The farm now produces a weekly supply of vegetables for sale and the goal is for production to scale-up and generate a sustainable income for the community. 

The farm will also serve as a centre to promote the benefits of sustainable agriculture, with the aim to build long-term resilience within the community.

Building Healthy Communities

In 2024, Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou collaborated with the local government and volunteer Canadian cardiology experts to organise pro-bono internal medicine and cardiology medical consultations for 60 villagers in Jiuzhaigou Caodi Village, embodying our belief in the power of travel as a force for good.

Next Steps

We are committed to continue the important work of uplifting our host communities. 

In 2025 and beyond, we will:

Enhance our Stay for Good programme with new immersive experiences for guests, to raise awareness of the importance of education and sustainability.
Support and encourage our associates to drive positive change by funding additional projects that address local communities’ challenges and needs through the Greater Good Grants.
Continue our support for local crafts through expanding our artisan network globally, focusing on increasing collaborations with local artisans.
Learn More
1
2
3
4
5
6
/6
1
2
3
4
5
6
/6
Support Wellbeing and Development

We believe that when our associates are well cared for, they in turn can care for our guests. So we take measures to ensure that our work environment is nurturing, inclusive, and supportive.

Learn more
Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and championing the importance of diversity—creating opportunities for our associates, guests, and host communities to thrive as their authentic selves.

Learn more
Take Climate Action

Climate change has far-reaching impacts on our destinations including on weather conditions, water security, and biodiversity. Because we want a future where everyone can thrive, we are playing our part in making hospitality a low-carbon industry.

Learn more
Reduce Waste
With global waste projected to increase by 70% by 2050, adopting a circular economy and addressing food loss and waste is a matter of urgency. We strive to minimise the waste our operations generate while maximising composting, recycling and reuse. Being responsible stewards of our destinations, we also support community waste management efforts.
Learn more
Conserve Water

Water is a precious resource and safeguarding it for local communities is our priority. We are therefore committed to using water efficiently, and capturing and recycling as much of it as we can.

Learn more
Respect Biodiversity

How we choose our locations, design, build, and operate our business all have the potential to impact nature. We are determined to make our impact a positive one, especially on the land and sea surrounding our hotels and resorts.

Learn more
Back to top