09h45 - 10h30 local time, Thursday, 20 July: "Destination Stewardship in the Face of Climate Change"
Whether it’s more frequent hurricanes or unexpected wildfires, climate change poses a threat to the tourism industry, as well as to the communities and destinations that host visitors. As destination stewards, how can we better futureproof against such volatility? What lessons learned and sustainable practices can we share with one another? In this session, we will explore strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change, including ways to involve local communities and other stakeholders in the process of developing and implementing these strategies, as well as travelers themselves as responsible guests. The goal is to provide practical and actionable insights for destination stewards to help them navigate the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable tourism.
Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker, GDS-Movement, discusses this with Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President, Meet Boston, Tracy Berkeley, CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority, and Laura Dannon Redman, Head of Digital Content, AFAR Media.
13h15 local time, Thursday, 20 July: "Accountability and Leadership in Sustainable Destinations"
This is a dynamic and engaging discussion between global destination organisations leveraging the Global Destination Sustainability Index ((GDS-Index). The GDS-Index is the leading sustainability benchmarking and improvement programme for destinations around the world. It is used to assess current social, economic, and environmental performance in a destination, and then to drive progress and change. A discussion with global members will focus on the challenges and benefits of introducing a benchmarking programme like the GDS-Index to a destination marketing organisation.
Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker, GDS-Movement, joins Minto Schneider, CEO, Inter Ocean Inc., Virginie de Visscher, Senior Director of Business Development, Destination Canada, Carolin Lenehan, General Manager, Content, Creative and Corporate Affairs, Business Events Sydney, Melissa Riley, Vice President, Convention Sales and Services, Destination DC.