L-R: Planting at Laguna Phuket in 2023; Progress at the same site in 14 months. — Photo by SUGi

Singapore – In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Banyan Group, a global leader and pioneer in sustainable hospitality, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Rewilding Banyan Fund. Starting today, USD $1 for every direct booking of Banyan Group’s hotels and resorts will be pledged to the new fund, supporting long-term rewilding efforts to restore natural habitats in destinations where the Group operates.

Building upon the success of the rewilding initiative piloted at Laguna Phuket in 2023, where 7,500 saplings from 84 native species were planted to create high-density, self-sustaining biodiverse pocket forests, the new fund will drive the expansion of the Group’s rewilding efforts to at least 10 more destinations.

Rewilding is deeply rooted in Banyan Group’s history. The land of our flagship Banyan Tree resort in Phuket was rehabilitated from a barren tin mine into a lush sanctuary through an extensive clean up and tree planting efforts, laying the foundation for our commitment to environmental stewardship. The Rewilding Banyan Fund now gives us the opportunity to do the same with even more communities around the world, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world for a long time to come. Ho Ren Yung, Deputy CEO of Banyan Group

Banyan Group will continue working with rewilding specialists, SUGi, as a partner for various pocket forest projects in the pipeline. Banyan Group’s commitment to responsible stewardship is closely aligned with SUGI’s goal to build biodiversity, climate resilience and wellbeing in communities. Following the successful pilot at Laguna Phuket, we are hopeful that our collaborative effort will drive lasting, positive impact on the environment and communities around the world, one pocket forest at a time, said Elise Van Middelem, Founder and CEO of SUGi.

The Rewilding Banyan Fund joins Banyan Group’s collection of sustainability initiatives, among them, the Green Imperative Fund, which was established in 2001 to support environmental and community projects across the Group’s global portfolio. Together, both funds will support Banyan Group’s founding ethos and commitment of ‘Embracing the Environment, Empowering People’. More about the progress of Banyan Group’s sustainability efforts can be found in the 2023 Sustainability Report.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP

Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 91 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

For more information about Banyan Group, visit www.groupbanyan.com.