2024 was another remarkable year for Minor International.
We achieved another record-breaking results. Our business continued its strong momentum as we expanded into new territories, growing our hotel portfolio and workforce significantly. However, what makes me particularly proud is how we've balanced this growth with meaningful progress in our sustainability journey.
One of our most significant achievements in 2024 was the validation of our near-term and long-term net zero targets by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This milestone has not only crystallized our climate commitments but also clarified the challenges ahead in reducing our overall emissions. I am proud to share that we exceeded our target of a 75% reduction in single use plastic, achieving an impressive 81% reduction compared to our 2018 baseline. Since 2019, we avoided the use of over 3,200 tons of single-use plastic across Minor Food and Hotels in Thailand and have eliminated single-use plastic in our Minor Food operations in Maldives and Seychelles. We also reduced organic waste to landfill intensity for Minor Hotels by 40% compared to 2021 baseline and we are on track to achieve 50% reduction by 2030.
In 2024, we reduced Minor Hotels’ absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5%, even as our hotel portfolio expanded. This progress was driven by operational improvements, investments in energy efficiency, and increased use of renewable energy. These efforts not only strengthen our resilience in a warming world but also enhance our competitiveness. However, our greenhouse gas intensity target per rooms sold was not met due to the addition of more and larger resort room inventory, as compared to smaller city hotel rooms. In addition, we have been enticing our guests to engage in more on-property activities to drive revenue. This outcome highlights the ambitious nature of our targets, and we intend to further improve our operations to meet them.
At Minor, we are deeply passionate about nature. Throughout 2024, our dedicated team of naturalists, marine biologists, and on-ground personnel collaborated with scientists, NGOs, and local communities to protect 98 IUCN Red List species through various conservation initiatives. Protecting biodiversity remains a core part of our sustainability mission, these efforts underscore our belief that business success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Equally important to our growth story is our commitment to empowering people. We take immense pride in providing opportunities for young talent, giving them a springboard to begin their careers and a clear path to professional success. In 2024, 57% of the graduates from the Minor Corporate University (MCU) program rejoined our workforce. Furthermore, for the second consecutive year, we earned the Great Place to Work certification, reflecting the dedication of our People and Culture teams worldwide in fostering a thriving and engaged workforce—one that is essential to supporting our ambitious growth. I am pleased that our values have transpired into a winning culture where everyone can achieve their full potential.
Beyond our business, we remain deeply committed to giving back to our communities. Under the “Together with Love” banner, we developed and supported over 450,000 individuals globally in 2024. Through our corporate social responsibility initiatives, since 2022 we've cumulatively impacted over 1,160,000 individuals globally, with a goal to reach three million by 2030. We also supported one another. During personal hardships and natural disasters, it was heartening to see our teams come together—offering help in various ways and showing genuine care. This spirit of compassion and solidarity is an important part of who we are at Minor.
Trust is the foundation of our business. We are committed to earning and maintaining this trust through robust corporate governance and a responsible business culture. In 2024, we improved our internal processes for human rights due diligence and established a Sustainable Supply Chain Framework to formalize supplier engagement and capacity building. These efforts ensure that we not only meet emerging global regulations but also set clear sustainability expectations for our partners.
Our dedication to sustainability and corporate governance has been widely recognized. In 2024, we were once again recognized for our leadership in corporate governance and sustainability. We received an "Excellent" CG Scoring from the Thai Institute of Directors Association for the 12th consecutive year. We achieved MSCI ESG Rating of AA and were included in the FTSE4Good Index Series as well as S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2025 in the Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines industry.
None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication, ingenuity, and passion of our team members. I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of Minor International for their unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability. I also thank our stakeholders for their trust, support, and confidence in our vision.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with excitement about the opportunities and challenges that await us. We remain committed to achieving our ambitious goals, tackling new challenges, and thriving responsibly. Together, we will continue to demonstrate that passion for growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.
