Wednesday, 13th November

Thursday, 14th November – Conference Day 1

Mr. Alvin Tan Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

Luigi Cabrini – Chair, GSTC

@ Cinnamon(plenary)

@ Equarius Foyer

@ Cinnamon(plenary)

Caesar Indra – President, Traveloka

@ Cinnamon(plenary)

The session will look into strategies that hotel brands are using in order to promote adherence to sustainable tourism standards and external verification with clear accreditation certification targets. Speakers will provide examples of applicable actions for engaging teams and stakeholders throughout the different and diverse locations where they operate. This includes the pursuit of certification by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies.

Moderator: Kingston Khoo – President, Eco-STEPS Malaysia

• Jeffery Smith – Vice President Sustainability, Six Senses
• Siew Kim Beh – Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer / Managing Director Japan and Korea, The Ascott Limited
• Rod Simpson, Managing Director, Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group

@ Equarius Foyer

@ Cinnamon

(breakout room)

Driving Profitable Sustainability: Business Opportunities in ASEAN’s Sustainable Tourism

Discuss the intersection of sustainability and profitability in the tourism industry, highlighting emerging business opportunities, market trends, and consumer demand for sustainable tourism experiences in ASEAN. It will address how private sector leaders can leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage, innovate new revenue streams, and meet the evolving expectations of environmentally and socially conscious travelers. The discussion will encompass strategies for integrating sustainability into business models, enhancing customer experiences, and capitalizing on the growing market for sustainable tourism products and services in the ASEAN.

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

• Edison Chen – Vice President, Trip.com Group
• Gerald Ng – Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability, Changi Airport Group
• Ralph Dixon – Executive Director of Sustainability, YTL Group
• Loic Dujardin – Head of Sustainability – Traveloka 

@ Tamarind

(breakout room)

This session will address issues related to sustainability of the visitor economy in which visitors, locals and tourists interact. Speakers will discuss approaches to sustainable tourism and livability, showcasing strategies that benefit both visitors and locals.

Moderator: Linda Mannerby – Sustainability Manager, AcadeMedia

• Huey Hong Ong – Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore Tourism Board
• Joel Katz – Managing Director, Australasia, Cruise Lines International Association/CLIA
• Kevin Fsadni – Deputy CEO, Product & Regulatory, Malta Tourism Authority 
• David Ermen – Managing Director, Destination Capacity

@ Turmeric

(breakout room)

Innovation in Hotel Sustainability

Innovation in hotel sustainability offers hotels new avenues to enhance operations and guest experiences while minimizing environmental impact. This session will showcase how digital solutions promote sustainable practices like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Panelists, including hotel industry leaders, technology innovators, and sustainability specialists, will share insights on cutting-edge approaches and discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise in implementing these transformative solutions. Join us to explore the future of sustainable hospitality and the role of innovation in driving meaningful change.

Moderator: Jasline Ng – Sustainability Manager, Greenview

• Marc Zornes – Founder, Winnow
• Iris Lam – Director of Sustainability, Global Development, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Jen Ong – Assistant Director – Sustainability, Resorts World Sentosa
• Benjamin Lephilibert – CEO, LightBlue Consulting; Co-founder, The PLEDGE on Food Waste

@ Saffron

(breakout room)

Accessibility is a central element of any responsible and sustainable development policy, and it is referred to in the GSTC Criteria (GSTC Industry Criteria‘s criterion A7.4; GSTC Destination Criteria‘s criterion B8). Addressing accessibility and inclusivity, tourism businesses and destinations can tap into a significant market segment, expand their customer base, and increase their revenue. Moreover, it contributes to building a more diverse and tolerant society, where everyone has the freedom to explore and participate in travel experiences without limitations. Panelists will share insights and discuss best practices in promoting accessibility in tourism and offer strategies for advancing these objectives.

Moderator: Andrew Leary – Principal, Coraggio Group

• Martin Heng – Accessible & Inclusive Travel Expert; Head of Content, Vacant
• Dr. Pavlina McGrady – Associate Professor and Sustainable Tourism Management Program Coordinator, Southern Oregon University
• Ku Geok Boon – CEO, SG Enable
• Neha Arora – Founder, Planet Abled

@ Equarius Foyer

@ Cinnamon

(breakout room)

Challenges and opportunities of integrating urban development with natural ecosystems, highlighting successful coexistence models and strategies for sustainable urban-nature interactions.

Moderator: CB Ramkumar – Vice Chair, GSTC

• Mafila Richard Malesu – Sustainable Tourism Expert
• Agustini Rahayu – Director of Strategic Review, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia
• Rohaya Saharom – Vice President, Sustainable Solutions, Mandai Wildlife Group
• Oudad Kheir – COO, El Gouna

@ Tamarind

(breakout room)

The session will explore the role of TOs in promoting and preserving local cultures – highlighting best practices, strategies and challenges for fostering cultural sustainability through tourism. For example, by actively engaging and empowering local communities in the tours (which can take different shapes); or by developing partnerships with local organisations to ensure the tourism business makes a positive impact on the local communities, etc.

Moderator: Randy Durband – CEO, GSTC

• Kenny Onishi – General Manager Japan, Intrepid Travel
• Sri Mujiyati (Uji) – Director, Viavia Tour & Travel Jogja
• Takeharu Kato – CEO, Yamabushido/Megurun
• Nigel Wong Chun Teim – President, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)

@ Turmeric

(breakout room)

Sustainable accommodations must come in all forms, from mainstream to creative, innovative, and the unconventional. This session will explore unique and sustainable lodging options beyond traditional hotels. Experts will share insights into glamping, homestays, aparthotels and their role in promoting sustainable tourism. Attendees will gain knowledge on minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage through these accommodations. Challenges, opportunities, regulatory frameworks, marketing strategies, and quality standards will also be discussed, empowering attendees to embrace innovative solutions catering to conscious travelers.

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

• Willem Niemeijer – CEO, YAANA Ventures
• Adeline Phua – Managing lyf Partner
• Jeff Yeo – Co-Founder, Big Tiny
• Premruethai (Dtor) Tosermkit – Founder and Manager, Harmony@Huailan Home Ecolodge

@ Saffron

(breakout room)

Establishing a roadmap with clearly defined goals and priorities, is crucial for destinations that aim to improve their sustainability. This session will feature insights from experts representing various destinations and organizations. Attendees will learn about long-term sustainable tourism plans from Sentosa and Singapore, a sustainability improvement project in the Turkish village of Birgi, and Tahiti’s tourism development strategy, Fari’ira’a Manihini 2027. A policy framework for sustainable tourism in the Pacific region will also be shared. Through these presentations and moderated discussion, the session will explore pathways for sustainable tourism development and management of destinations. 

Moderator: Matthias Beyer – CEO, Mascontour; GSTC Board Member

• Penny Spoelder – Senior Associate, TRC Tourism
• Anthony Tan – Director, Sustainability, Sentosa Development Corporation
• Erwin Eperania – Sustainable Tourism Officer, Tahiti Tourisme
• Aslı Çakın Dağlı – Project Manager, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, UNDP Türkiye

Friday, 15th November – Conference Day 2

@ Cinnamon

(breakout room)

Measurement and evaluation is a crucial part of sustainability in tourism and is often mentioned in the suggested performance indicators of the GSTC Criteria. Join industry leaders and experts as we navigate the complex landscape of sustainability measurement and evaluation, learning from a comprehensive discussion that includes stats, trends, and useful examples. This session will provide insights into effective evaluation techniques that drive continual improvement in sustainability practices, ensuring a responsible and measurable approach to tourism.

Moderator: Jason Lin – Co-founder & CEO, Hotelzero

• Eric Ricaurte – Founder & CEO, Greenview
• Saba Kauser – Behavior Change Specialist, BehaviorSMART
• Matt Callaghan – Chief Operating Officer, easyJet holidays
• Roger Simons – Sustainability Director, Marina Bay Sands

@ Tamarind

(breakout room)

The new GSTC MICE Criteria 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.

Moderator: Edward Koh – Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board

• Ian Gan – Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore EXPO; Vice President Center Management, Constellar
• Adam Piperdy – Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Unearthed Production 
• Kaori Pereyra-Lago – Head of Strategic Meetings Management, APAC & EMEA, Global Business Development & Strategy, American Express Global Business Travel
• Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen – Managing Director, Krabi Spesialisten / Wedding in Thailand

@ Turmeric

(breakout room)

This session will explore the approaches and initiatives that are shaping sustainable tourism in Japan. This session will provide an overview and discussion with examples from important sustainable tourism initiatives in Japan, highlighting how the country is integrating sustainability into its travel and tourism sectors. Attendees will gain valuable insights into current strategies that can be applied globally.

Moderator: Emi Kaiwa – Manager – Asia Pacific, GSTC

• Chizuko Nishimatsu – Chief Sustainability Officer, JTB Corp.
• Kentaro Dobashi – Special Appointive Vice President, Sales and Marketing Division, Japan Airlines
• Emiko Minami – Strategy and Partnerships Director, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Fuyuki Oki – Manager, Rakuten Travel

@ Saffron

(breakout room)

This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of how destinations can embark on the path to sustainability using the GSTC framework. Participants will explore the essential steps involved, from initial assessments and stakeholder engagement to implementing sustainable practices that drive continuous improvement.

Key elements of the session will include an introduction to the Destination Stewardship Starter Kit, a valuable resource designed to support destination managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in transitioning towards a stewardship approach. The workshop will also cover practical tools and strategies for managing tourism impacts effectively and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and a clear roadmap to help their destinations thrive while advancing towards sustainability goals.

Facilitators:

• Dr. Kelly Bricker – Director, Center for Sustainable Tourism, Arizona State University; GSTC Vice-Chair
• Tiffany Chan – Destination Program Manager, GSTC

@ Cumin

(breakout room)

Exploring food tourism, with a backdrop of Singapore’s rich food heritage and its UNESCO recognition, understanding how culinary traditions contribute to cultural sustainability, tourism experiences, and community identity.

Moderator: CB Ramkumar – Vice Chair, GSTC

• Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu – Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
• Cornelius Tan – President, Chinatown Complex Hawker Association
• Thiam Wei Toh – Founder, Indie Singapore Tours
• Daren Moodely – Head of projects, Mauritius Tourism Authority

@ Equarius Foyer

@ Cinnamon

(breakout room)

Despite not owning the products or services, distributors, including online travel agencies (OTAs), have a significant responsibility to influence and impact sustainability in the tourism industry. This session will examine how distributors leverage the GSTC framework to promote sustainable practices. Attendees will learn how distributors can highlight verified sustainable options, influence their supply chains by requirements, goals, and phase in preferential contracting of certified businesses, as well as supporting education and skills development. Key examples from GSTC Members will illustrate effective strategies for integrating sustainability into distribution channels, ultimately driving positive change in the industry.

Moderator: Roi Ariel – General Manager, GSTC

• Rebecca Keiller – Senior Manager – Sustainability, Klook
• David Noe – Senior Manager, Sustainability Strategy, Booking.com
• Justin Ong – Regional Manager en APAC, HBX Group
• Jonathan Kao – Managing Director North Asia, BCD Travel

@ Tamarind

(breakout room)

Attractions are a critical component of the tourism industry, with millions of visitors visiting popular destinations worldwide, and therefore play an important role in shaping experiences. Attractions have the power to promote sustainable practices, preserve cultural heritage, and protect natural resources. Sustainable management practices in attractions can minimize these impacts while providing a quality visitor experience. In addition, attractions can act as ambassadors for sustainability and inspire visitors to engage in sustainable behaviors. Sustainable management in attractions includes a range of strategies, from efficient resource management to promoting local cultures and heritage. Through discussion and case studies, the panel will explore best practices, challenges, and opportunities for creating sustainable attractions that benefit both visitors and local communities.

Moderator: Dr. Ioannis Pappas – Mediterranean Program Director, GSTC

• Addison Goh – Senior Director Business Development & Sustainability Office, Gardens by the Bay
  
• Jen Ong – Assistant Director – Sustainability, Resorts World Sentosa
• Wei Bin Ong – Senior Manager, Sustainable Solutions, Mandai Wildlife Group
  
• János Handó – Founder & Owner, Ladybird Farm Leisure Center

@ Turmeric

(breakout room)

The session will explore innovative strategies and leadership approaches to drive sustainability in destination management. It will cover topics such as sustainable tourism development and the role of strategic leadership in fostering innovation, all from the perspectives of different stakeholders. The discussion will highlight the importance of collaboration across sectors to implement sustainable practices and position destinations as leaders in the shift toward more responsible tourism.

Moderator: Tiffany Chan, GSTC Destinations Program Manager

• Cheh Hsien Lee – Assistant Chief Executive, Sentosa Development Corporation
• Nils Persson – Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Sweden
• Enric Casals – Regional Vice President, Southeast Asia, Agoda
• Andrew Leary – Principal, Coraggio Group

@ Saffron

(breakout room)

Facilitator: So Young Lee –  Project Manager, GSTC

@ Cumin

(breakout room)

The Head, Heart, and Hands of Your Sustainability Story
Unlock the transformative power of storytelling in your sustainability initiatives. In this engaging, hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how impactful communication can drive meaningful change in today’s volatile, uncertain, and complex world. This session will feature inspiring case studies and actionable insights, offering practical tools to translate your organization’s sustainability efforts and data into compelling narratives. Discover how to build trust with your audiences, enhance societal impact, and convert leads into meaningful business growth through regenerative campaigns. Designed for destination, event and leisure tourism  professionals, this interactive experience invites you to listen, share, and collaborate with peers to co-create your next sustainability success story.

Facilitated by: Guy Bigwood – CEO and Chief Changemaker, GDS Movement

@ Equarius Foyer

@ Cinnamon

(breakout room)

This session explores how tourism can be leveraged to achieve socially positive outcomes, emphasizing contributions to social development and cultural preservation. Discussions will highlight strategies for ensuring tourism benefits local societies sustainably and meaningfully, fostering community well-being and preserving cultural heritage.

Moderator: Peter Richards – Responsible Tourism Specialist

• Bhummikitti Ruktaengam– President, Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (Phuket)
• Aditi Chanchani – Chair of the GSTC India Working Group
• Ewaldo Reis Amaral – Sr Manager Organization, People Development, ESG, Tiket.com
• Charlotte Piffard – EXO Foundation Leader, EXO Travel

@ Tamarind

(breakout room)

This session will discuss sustainable practices for coastal destinations relevant to public, private, and non-governmental sectors. This session will cover essential topics, including conservation efforts, community engagement, and strategies to balance tourism development with environmental protection. Participants will explore risk management approaches to mitigate tourism’s impact on coastal ecosystems while addressing the importance of fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance sustainability and resilience in coastal tourism.

Moderator: Dr. Kelly Bricker – Associate Dean and Director of the Hainan University-Arizona State University International College; GSTC Vice-Chair

• Rosa Harris – Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands
• Sunishma Singh – Sustainability Officer, Tourism Fiji
• Cher Chua – Founder, Tengah Island Conservation
• Jayne MacDougall – Executive Director, Phuket Hotels Association

@ Turmeric

(breakout room)

@ Saffron

(breakout room)()

Facilitator: Dr. Mihee Kang, Global Assurance Director, GSTC

@ Cinnamon(plenary)

GSTC continues to support programs and initiatives that use stages from zero to the final stage. This includes national programs with stages of compliance such as the 3-stage Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Program (which is the first mandatory national program for accommodations based on the GSTC Criteria and GSTC Assurance program), company-led programs such as Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability, and association-led programs such as the 3-stage WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics. Having hotels continue on their sustainability path in a comprehensive, step-by-step, and achievable manner is crucial to a more sustainable sector.

Moderator: Luigi Cabrini – Chairman, GSTC

• Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu – Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
• Liz Ortiguera – Managing Director of Asia-Pacific and Sr Advisor to the CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
• Catherine Gilvarry – Head of Supply, Hostelworld

@ Cinnamon(plenary)

or

Shuttle Bus to Village Hotel (18:15)

(limited availability)

Saturday, 16th November: Post-conference tour