Responsible Tourism at Arabian Travel Market

Attracting the Sustainable Visitor

29 Apr 2019, 13:30 – 14:30 ATM Global Stage
Language: English

This panel discusses the impact of attracting the sustainability-focused visitor, both locally and globally, through various sustainability, eco-tourism and biodiversity initiatives in the UAE. It will also highlight the importance of studying the visitor/tourist demographics that the country aims to attract and how the tourism industry is seeing this movement as an opportunity for growth. In addition, the panel provides an insight into Expo 2020’s aim to be a catalyst for sustainable practices and the partnerships taking place to influence and attract mindful visitors.

Moderator Jasmina Popov-Locke Director of Programme and Research Development, Modul University
Dina Mustafa Head of Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai
Shannon Scott Senior Manager Environment Affairs, Emirates
Alma Au Yeung Corporate Director – Strategy Projects & Partnerships Emaar Hospitality Group

How can Travel and Tourism best reduce the carbon emissions of our industry?

30 Apr 2019, 11:30 – 12:15 Inspiration Theatre 1
ATM website listing

With high rates of growth, the sector will become more and more significant as polluters come under increasing pressure from regulators applying the polluter pays principle. The business case for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all parts of the sector have never been stronger and public awareness of the issue and its consequences is rising. Climate change is happening now with wildfires, heat waves, flooding sea level rise and extreme weather events. The most recent IPCC report reminds us that human activities have caused a 1°C increase on pre-industrial levels. Recently emissions have begun to rise again and the IPCC is now forecasting, with a high degree of confidence, that global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate. Life will become increasingly unpleasant and dangerous for millions of us unless we take action. more

Moderator Harold Goodwin,WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor
Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development-MEA and India Swiss-Belhotel International
Simon Stamper Area General Manager, Dubai Central General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group – Voco Dubai
Amer Arafat, Technical Manager Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence

Raising Awareness of Sustainability

30 Apr 2019, 15:00 – 15:45 Inspiration Theatre 1 Language: English
ATM website listing

For centuries the people of the MENA countries have developed in countries subject to water stress and more aware than most of the importance of conserving natural resources. Three speakers from the region will discuss what role the travel and tourism industry can play in raising awareness of the importance of addressing sustainability and showcasing the practical solutions to the challenge of sustainability which have been developed in the region.

Moderator Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor
Xavier Halbi Hotel Manager & Responsible Business Regional Coordinator, Radisson Hotel Group
Peter Stubbs Director of HSE & Compliance, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts
Dina Mustafa Head of Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai

Tourism Broadens the Mind: Can We Do More?

01 May 2019, 11:30 – 12:15 Inspiration Theatre 1 Language: English
ATM website listing

Tourists are increasingly demanding memorable experiences, opportunities for meaningful connections with local people, one of the great benefits of travel and tourism is the opportunities it creates for people from very different religions, cultures and backgrounds to meet and for the traveller or tourist to learn more of the history and way of life of the communities they visit. As Krippendorf, the founder of Responsible Tourism pointed out, “every individual tourist builds up or destroys human values while travelling”. What can those of us in the industry do to foster understanding and celebrate diversity? Three very different approaches are represented on this panel. Nada Badran will talk about how a guided tour and an experience of local and regional food can enhance the guest experience.
Husam Jubran will talk about the guide as a teacher, helping tourists to understand and appreciate local history and culture.Dr. Hayat Shamsuddin will diuscss the opportunities presenet by next year;s Expo when the world comes together in Dubai,

Moderator Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor
Nada Badran Founder, Wander With Nada
Husam Jubran Director of Tour Guide Development, MEJDI Tours
Dr. Hayat Shamsuddin Vice President – Arts and Culture, Visitor Experience Division Expo 2020 Dubai