Phu Quoc, Vietnam — In an era when the definition of luxury is being rewritten, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort stands at the forefront of a global transformation — a rare fusion of refined hospitality and environmental responsibility. The resort has recently been officially recognised as Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ by Forbes Travel Guide, one of the most prestigious global endorsements of sustainable excellence.
Behind this milestone is a quiet yet dynamic force — Franz Kupka, Resort Manager of InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort — whose leadership, vision, and human-centered philosophy have guided the property to world acclaim. Kupka has turned the resort into not just a destination, but a living model of how five-star luxury can exist in perfect harmony with nature and community.
“Being recognised by Forbes Travel Guide is far more than an accolade; it’s a reflection of our values,” Kupka said. “We want to redefine luxury — to prove that true sophistication lies in care, conscience, and contribution. Every decision we make must serve our guests, our people, and our planet equally.”
Nestled within a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, the resort is a masterclass in sustainable design. Kupka’s approach begins with respect — respect for the environment, for local culture, and for the delicate balance that keeps Phu Quoc’s ecosystem alive. Under his direction, the resort has implemented energy-efficient lighting, smart water systems, and a comprehensive waste management network that processes over 23,000 kilograms of recyclable materials each year. Single-use plastics have been almost entirely eliminated, and all operations are tracked through IHG’s Green Engage platform, which monitors resource use in real time.
But Kupka believes that technology alone is not enough. “Sustainability must live in the hearts of our people,” he says. Every week, resort colleagues participate in beach clean-ups, coral conservation efforts, and environmental awareness activities — a culture of responsibility that starts from leadership and spreads naturally among the team.
Kupka’s long-term goal is bold: zero waste to the mainland by 2030. It’s an ambitious vision, but one that drives every innovation and inspires his team to think beyond traditional hospitality. His leadership style blends European precision with Asian warmth, creating a workplace that feels both disciplined and deeply human.
Guests, too, are invited to be part of the journey. Through A Greener Stay, travellers can contribute by reusing linens and adjusting housekeeping schedules, reducing energy and water consumption while earning IHG One Rewards points. Conferences and events follow the same philosophy under Meeting for Good, with locally sourced menus, plant-based dishes, and eco-conscious amenities that reflect the spirit of mindful luxury.
Even the resort’s award-winning HARNN Heritage Spa embraces circular thinking. Used coffee grounds are creatively repurposed into exfoliating scrubs in hands-on workshops that let guests experience the joy of sustainable living. Every touchpoint of the resort embodies Kupka’s belief that “luxury should not leave a footprint — only a feeling.”
Beyond environmental initiatives, Kupka has strengthened the resort’s role as a partner in community development. During Giving for Good Month, his team participates in charity runs, blood donation drives, and food support programmes for disadvantaged families. Collaborations with the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and VietHarvest channel both resources and compassion toward Vietnam’s most vulnerable communities. Through the Stay for Good programme, the resort donates VND 25,000 (US$1) per occupied room per night, turning each guest’s stay into a meaningful contribution.
Under Franz Kupka’s guidance, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort has become more than a resort — it’s a philosophy, a living testament to what he calls “responsible luxury.” His leadership combines humility and innovation, tradition and progress, passion and precision. Colleagues describe him as a mentor who leads by example — never asking of others what he would not do himself.
Today, the resort stands as one of Vietnam’s few Forbes Travel Guide Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ properties, inspiring a new era of sustainable tourism in Asia. Kupka’s work sends a clear message to the global hospitality industry: sustainability is not a trend — it’s the future.
In Phu Quoc, where turquoise waters meet lush jungle, Franz Kupka and his team have created something truly timeless — a sanctuary where every guest experience contributes to the planet’s wellbeing.
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort now embodies a new definition of hospitality: elegant, ethical, and enduring — a place where the art of caring meets the art of living.
