TIS will focus on sustainability as one of its cross-cutting themes in alignment with the most pressing need of the time
With 68 pc of tourists valuing sustainability and seeking tools that make the least environmental impact on their trips, the travel industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation with a focus on sustainability.
With this theme, Tourism Innovation Summit 2024 (TIS2024) will be held at Sevilla in Spain from October 23-25.
In a press statement, the organisers say that at the summit, various European cities such as Italian cities of Rome and Venice, the Netherlands’ capital Amsterdam and the Spanish capital Madrid will analyse innovation in new tourism models that avoid overcrowding and generate a sustainable impact in the long term.
The statement adds that TIS will focus on sustainability as one of its cross-cutting themes in alignment with the most pressing need of the time.
The organisers say that on the occasion, the participants at the international event will analyse the strategies the tourism industry is implementing to move towards a more responsible and ethical tourism that seeks to minimise environmental impact.
This is reflected in hotels, which are integrating “green” technology in their rooms, committing to promoting the circular economy in travel and an increase in travellers’ awareness of the care and respect for the places they visit.
The statement says that the industry is implementing technological solutions to carry out measurements in a transparent and conscious way and thus evaluate initiatives to achieve sustainable tourism.
It is also implementing strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and move towards ecotourism.
The statement adds that the congress during TIS2024 will present innovative models of sustainable tourism that destinations such as Iceland, Benidorm and Nouvelle Aquitannie in France are adopting.
The report says that travellers are increasingly aware of the importance of caring for the planet and the destinations they visit. That is why destinations and tourism businesses are already integrating smart technologies to help them achieve sustainable practices to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the region and disruptive business models to respond to the changing needs of modern travellers.
TIS2024 organisers say that the modern traveller is increasingly aware of the importance of leaving minimal carbon footprints behind. This has pushed both destinations and tourism businesses to adopt more sustainably effective models and smart technologies to respond to the changing needs of modern travellers.
The statement adds that in this context, Alessandra Priante, President of ENIT, Andrew Agius Muscat, CEO at Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, Carlos Costa, Professor at the University of Aveiro and Antonio Lopez De Avila, Director of Innovation, Education and Investment at UN Tourism, will address how Mediterranean destinations are leveraging innovation to ensure long-term sustainable growth and improve their competitiveness.
Regenerative tourism is one of the most revolutionary and committed initiatives in the industry these days. The statement adds that regenerative tourism seeks to offer an experience in which the visitor, with his or her good sustainable practices, is involved in improving the destination and the local community.
This includes aspects such as regenerative agriculture, community conservation projects and travel practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation and economic empowerment of destination communities.
The organisers say that Filippos Venetopoulos, Chief Executive Officer at Variety Cruises, will speak about this trend with great opportunities for the future.
Another practice that is growing in the sector due to its responsible approach is the circular economy, which demonstrates great capabilities to reduce pollution and carbon footprint, improve resource efficiency and promote environmental conservation.
Elena Martin Cuesta, Director of Sustainability at Ilunion Hotels, Sascha Gill, Chief Executive Officer at United Waterways, and Miguel Figueroa, Lead Manager at Tui Care Foundation, will discuss innovative approaches and success stories of adopting the circular economy for tourism.
The organisers say that with respect to protect nature and cultural heritage, diversity and inclusion in tourism are gaining traction. The industry is pursuing initiatives that promote the accessibility of tourism destinations, but also reflect the diversity of global travellers.
Magali Bertolucci, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at MSC Cruises, will present success stories and best practices on the implementation of diversity and inclusion programmes that are creating teams that are representative of society, moving away from unrealistic biases, and helping to generate inclusive and welcoming work environments for employees.
The statement adds that TIS2024 will host for the second consecutive year, a new edition of A World for Travel (AWFT). In its 5th year, AWFT is a forum that brings together leading companies in the tourism sector to discuss critical issues in sustainable tourism both in the public and private sectors.
With this year’s focus on climate change, ESG and sustainable financing, the forum will address how the travel industry is addressing these challenges through collaboration, via energy transitions, engagement with financial services, communities and communication.
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