This session explored effective strategies for engaging travelers in sustainable practices through clear, authentic, and culturally sensitive communication. Panelists shared insights on how to convey messages around environmental impact, community respect, and responsible behavior in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

Speakers:
– Yujeong Kim, Programme Officer, Deogyusan National Park, Korea National Park Service (KNPS)

This session will focus on the development and implementation of destination roadmaps and sustainability plans as essential tools for guiding sustainable tourism growth. Panelists will share insights on how to create comprehensive strategies that balance environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development. Case studies will highlight collaborative approaches involving local governments, industry stakeholders, and communities to establish long-term goals and measurable outcomes.

Moderator: Andrew Leary, Principal, Coraggio Group

Speakers:

• Chris Cocker, CEO, Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO)
• Karla Eggelton, CEO, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
• Morgan Mingle, Director of Sustainable Tourism, Park City Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau
• Kiri Goulter, Destination Stewardship Expert; previously Destination Management Director, Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ)

Addresses how destinations can prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters while prioritizing sustainability and resilience. Panelists discuss disaster risk management, climate adaptation strategies, and the critical role of local communities and tourism stakeholders in recovery efforts. Case studies highlight successful recovery initiatives that balance rebuilding with sustainability, focusing on restoring ecosystems, protecting livelihoods, and fostering long-term resilience.

Moderator: Matthew Landkamer, Founding Principal, Whereabout

Speakers:

• Prof. James Daniell, Co-founder, Risklayer
• Geoff Hyde, Managing Director, Sustainable Tourism International
• Kasi Taukeinikoro, Director, Rivers Fiji
• Grace Hu, Chief Sustainability Officer, Dossen Group

This session will explore the complex dynamics between cruises, yachts, ports, and the destinations they serve, with a focus on promoting sustainable growth across small islands and coastal communities. Panelists will discuss the environmental, social, and economic impacts of maritime tourism, highlighting strategies to minimize negative effects while maximizing benefits.

Key topics will include port infrastructure development, sustainable yacht tourism, and destination resilience. Special attention will be given to dispersing tourism across secondary destinations, empowering local communities in less-visited areas, and fostering destination stewardship. Discussions will also address how cruise lines and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) can contribute to leaving destinations in better condition, and how small destinations can develop sustainably within the larger tourism ecosystem.

Moderator: Leigh Howard, Chief Operating Officer, Tropica Group of Companies

Speakers:

• Vaihere Lissant, CEO, Tahiti Tourisme
• Jacinta Lal, Director of Tourism, Fiji Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation
• Joel Katz, Managing Director, Australasia, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Scuba diving, snorkelling, and other marine tourism activities can be powerful tools for ocean conservation, but without proper management, they can also damage marine ecosystems. There are already many dive centres, snorkelling centres, and liveaboard businesses that use the Green Fins standards to protect the marine environment where they operate. This class about the Green Fins standards, led by Dev Albao from The Reef-World Foundation, will guide you through best practices for diving and snorkelling operations, offering clear steps for immediate action, training, and ongoing improvement. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to implement sustainable practices that not only protect coral reefs but also ensure the long-term success of your business and the marine tourism industry. Spearheaded internationally by The Reef-World Foundation in partnership with the UN Environment Programme, the Green Fins initiative sets internationally recognized environmental standards for marine tourism, equipping operators with a practical framework to reduce harmful practices and enhance conservation efforts.

Presentation from Christina-Leala Gale about Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines.

Lead Speaker:

• Dev Albao – Programmes Manager, The Reef-World Foundation (Green Fins)

Guest Speaker:

• Christina Leala-Gale – Manager, Sustainable Tourism, The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)

Presentation of Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet (by GSTC & CWP)

Travel Redefined is the most ambitious storytelling project of its kind — a global digital series capturing the future of sustainable tourism in action. Produced by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in partnership with Content With Purpose (CWP), the series spans six continents, over 20 countries, and features 55 shoot days and more than 50 changemakers, from policymakers and businesses to local leaders and community voices.

This landmark series explores how destinations around the world are turning the GSTC Standards into real-world solutions — tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, accessibility, over-tourism, and more. Through visually rich storytelling and expert insight, the series reveals how the tourism sector is evolving to become a driver of positive impact for people and planet.

In this session, to be held during the refreshment break, be among the first to see the Travel Redefined impact showcase film — an exclusive preview of what’s to come — and discover how storytelling at scale can inspire a new era of responsible travel.

This session will focus on hospitality in coastal areas, exploring how hotels and resorts can be built and operated in a more sustainable manner. Key topics include responsible coastal development, protecting ecosystems, and adapting accommodations to climate challenges. Learn how the hospitality industry can play a crucial role in both enhancing guest experiences and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coastal destinations.

Moderator: Koko Tang, Founder, Colorful Earth; GSTC Board Member

Speakers:

• Kelly Yoong, Divisional Director, Corporate Planning, Sentosa Development Corporation
• Amy Breckon, Senior Program Officer, Coastal Tourism + Development, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
• Bhummikitti Riktaengam, President, Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, Phuket
• Litia Mario, Executive Officer, Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association (FHTA)

This session will explore how global partnerships can help drive local tourism initiatives that support communities, preserve culture, and encourage sustainable development. It will highlight practical ways to connect international organizations and investors with locally led projects that reflect community needs and values.

Key topics will include successful partnership models, attracting impact investment for community-based tourism, and the role of policy and governance in supporting sustainable tourism financing.

Moderator: David Ermen, Managing Director, Destination Capacity

Speakers:

• Jorge Moller, Latin America Program Director, GSTC
• Becky Last, Senior Sustainable Tourism Expert
• Jane McFadzean, Senior Director of Global Sustainability, Trip.com Group
• Libby Owen-Edmunds, Private Sector Development Specialist

This session explores strategies to build a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry. Key topics include upskilling the workforce with sustainability-focused training, promoting ethical employment practices to ensure fair wages, and engaging local communities in the process. Discover how collaboration between businesses, governments, and communities can foster a responsible tourism model that benefits both people and the planet.

Moderator: Jorge Moller, Latin America Program Director, GSTC

Speakers:

• Kuniko Takasaki, Managing Executive Officer and Chief DEIB Officer, JTB Group
• Dr. Christian Schott, Associate Professor in Management for Sustainability, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
• Nipatpong Chuanchuen, Expert and Researcher about Net Zero Tourism in Thailand, Trekking Thai

This interactive session highlights the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change across destinations. Participants will be walked through compelling case studies that demonstrate how visual narratives can address real-world tourism challenges. By focusing on stewardship, inclusion, and authentic local voices, this format empowers all tourism stakeholders – from communities and businesses to governments and NGOs – to play a role in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Participants will explore destination challenges, strategic responses, and storytelling outcomes; learn how to create meaningful, personalized content that resonates with audiences; be inspired to tell their own destination’s story in a way that drives impact and empowers others.

Facilitator: Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist, GLP Films

This session will address the unique challenges and opportunities in managing tourism for small island destinations from different perspectives. Panelists will discuss key aspects such as balancing visitor growth with environmental protection, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring economic benefits for local communities. Best practices in sustainable destination management will be highlighted, with a focus on governance, community engagement, and resilience planning in the face of climate change. Attendees will gain actionable insights into strategies that promote long-term sustainability while maintaining the distinctive character and natural beauty of island destinations like Fiji.

Moderator: Penny Spoelder, Senior Associate, TRC Tourism

Speakers:

• Janel Campbell, Senior Manager, Sustainable Tourism, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
• Marzeta Bodden, Deputy Director, Tourism Product Development, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
• Jenny Leewai Bourke, Executive Director, Nukubati Island Resort
• Paul Pio, Director, Department of Tourism, Vanuatu Ministry of Trade and Commerce

This session explores innovative approaches to building and maintaining transportation systems and infrastructure with long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability in mind. Topics include low-carbon design, resilient materials, policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping a more sustainable future in mobility and urban development.

Speakers:

• Bert van der Stege – CEO, Harbour Air
• Tjakko Dijk – Co-Founder, The Watertaxi Company

The new GSTC MICE Standard was launched earlier this year, which is divided into three sub-sectors: Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. This session will explore strategies for advancing sustainability within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector with a focus on sustainable events. Experts will share insights on implementing sustainable practices throughout the event lifecycle, from venue selection and waste management to catering and transportation. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on minimizing the environmental impact of events while enhancing social and economic benefits for local communities. Case studies and best practices will highlight relevant models for hosting sustainable MICE events.

Speakers:

• Roger Simons, Sustainability Director, Marina Bay Sands
• Jessica Vandy, Senior Consultant – Asia Pacific, Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement)

Tourism’s role in environmental regeneration, ocean conservation, and community resilience. The session highlights how tourism can contribute to regenerating natural environments, protecting ocean health, and supporting resilient communities.

Moderator: Jim Sano, Vice President for Travel, Tourism and Conservation, WWF

Speakers:

• Raquel Saavedra Dias, Sustainability Director, Six Senses Fiji
• Seiuli Dwayne Bentley, Pacific Ocean Litter Project Coordinator, Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
• Andrew Leary, Principal, Coraggio Group

Facilitator: Dr. So Young Lee, Project Manager, GSTC

This session will unpack the benefits and process of achieving GSTC certification, with a focus on micro and small enterprises. Attendees will learn about the main challenges and opportunities drawing from the journeys from different enterprises and other stakeholders involved in SME Certification. The session will also provide practical guidance on improvement plans and actionable steps for businesses looking to boost their sustainability efforts.

Moderator: Randy Durband, CEO, GSTC

Speakers:

• Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
• Stefano Ravelli, Chair of the GSTC Italy Working Group
• Dr. Mihee Kang, Chief Assurance Officer, GSTC

Wrap-up and closing remarks for the conference.