Alta Thoughts (June 2025)
By Rakesh Patel
It can sometimes feel like the calendar is saturated with “must-attend” hotel conferences, each distinguished by a different acronym. That said, the opportunity to exchange ideas with industry peers and gain perspective through different lenses, remains incredibly valuable.
I had the pleasure of attending and speaking on panels at both the Boutique Hotel Series (BHS) and the South East Asian Hotel Investors’ Summit (SEAHIS), held recently in Bangkok.
The BHS highlighted that the future of our industry is in capable hands, with a new generation of visionaries and entrepreneurs pushing the travel boundaries. From purposeful journeys and the rise of the bleisure segment, to remote work and eco-conscious tourism, the evolving profile of the modern traveller presents opportunities. The key takeaway from the event was: “the only constant in life is change”.
SEAHIS, meanwhile, is where the “big dogs” run – large owners, operators, and vendors, engaged in high-level discussions on macro trends and capital allocation. Key themes included: sustained interest in branded residences; capital is still chasing Japan – time to cash in?; early signs of interest in Hong Kong and China, albeit with caution from global institutional investors; continued preference in SEA for Thailand and Indonesia, due to more robust ownership and liquidity; India noted for its strong development pipeline and demand; lastly labour supply and costs remain a persistent challenge across the region.
Below are a few of our recent thoughts posted on LinkedIn. Always good to hear your feedback. You can follow us directly on LinkedIn and go to our website.
Barry Sternlicht Warns Big Hotel Chains: Indie Brands Are Coming for You
Barry Sternlicht gets it! The founder of Starwood Hotels sees more challenges ahead for the large hotel chains, as guest preferences shift towards more nimble independent hotel brands.
Speaking at the NYU Hospitality Forum, he notes that in every consumer category, upstarts are rapidly taking market share, with their authentic products and messages, being promoted and powered by digital marketing.
He argues that the large operators must differentiate themselves, rather than just “trade flags”, or just change the name on the door, without changing the experience.
10 Interesting Facts And Statistics About Ecotourism In 2025
Ecotourism in 2025 is rapidly growing, projected to reach $761billion by 2030 with 14% annual growth. Driven by climate awareness, 76% of travelers now prioritize sustainability, fueling economic benefits for rural and indigenous communities, especially in countries like Costa Rica and Panama.
It also funds conservation, helping protect forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. Programs in Rwanda, Nepal, and Costa Rica show how ecotourism can support endangered species and reverse deforestation. Trends like regenerative travel, wellness tourism, and tech-enabled ecolodges are reshaping the industry.
However, challenges remain. The industry still contributes 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Many destinations, like Costa Rica and Panama, face overdevelopment, displacement, and cultural erosion. Indigenous communities risk exploitation, and greenwashing is a growing concern.
Ecotourism’s success depends on adhering to sustainability standards and genuine local engagement.
