Responsible Tourism

Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Initiative

Call for speakers at Responsible Tourism Events at ITB Asia 2017

Call for speakers

We are looking for change-makers in the tourism industry to speak up and inspire others! Join our panel of speakers and share your story.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM EVENTS AT ITB ASIA | 25-27 OCTOBER 2017

Be heard at one of Asia’s largest travel trade shows – ITB Asia!

Submission deadline: 14 July 2017 

The United Nations has proclaimed 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, in recognition of the tremendous potential of the tourism industry, which accounts for some 10% of the world’s economic activity, to contribute to the fight against poverty and create a positive impact in destinations and communities around the world.

This is your opportunity to take an active role and share your knowledge and experience at the Asia’s largest travel trade show. We are looking for sustainable tourism practitioners who are seeking to inspire others in making tourism a driver for change socially, environmentally and economically for Asian destinations. We are looking for papers/presentations on the following topics: 

  1. Social responsibility – case studies, best practices and how to make it a part of your business
  2. Empowering communities through community-based tourism
  3. Preserving wildlife and natural ecosystems for the next generation
  4. Inspiring travelers to care about people and nature
  5. Sustainable tourism and storytelling – how to share the stories well

Submission guidelines:

Closing date for submissions 14 July, 2017 (Friday).

Presentations must address the following:

Relevance to Asian-based tourism operators and helps promote the mainstreaming of responsible tourism in Asia
With case studies, please share lessons learned and outcomes of the project/program.

To apply, email us and include the following:

  • Name and speaker’s bio
  • Presentation title: The title should aim to be precise and concise so that it conveys a clear message
  • Presentation abstract: Abstract should contain brief summary of the content areas of your proposed topic
  • Paper to accompany your presentation abstract (if any) or supporting information

Note to speakers:

  • All speakers must be able to cover their travel and accommodation costs.
  • Speakers will be given a complimentary speaker pass that includes access to the trade show for the day of your presentation.
  • Speakers will be given permission to display brochures or other collaterals during the time of their presentation.
  • Speakers will be notified if their presentation has been accepted by 30 July, 2017.

Submission of Paper/Presentation:

Please email your paper or presentation, including an abstract to Deborah Chan at deborah@wildasia.org before 14 July, 2017 (Friday).

Presentations from Responsible Tourism Events at ITB Asia 2016

On behalf of ITB Asia, Wild Asia would like to thank you for participating in the Responsible Tourism Clinics and Forum at ITB Asia 2016. We would also like to thank all our speakers who graciously spared their time to share their wealth of experience and knowledge with us. We had a stellar crowd at the Responsible Tourism Centre booth and many meaningful and passionate discussions took place. Let’s hope they translate into reality, making destinations better for tourists and local communities that depend on it.

If you missed the responsible tourism events, don’t fret. We have compiled the presentations below. Click on the title or image below to view the presentation of your choice. Wild Asia hopes that you glean from these amazing case studies and knowledge. Please contact deborah@wildasia.org if you wish to be part of 2017′s Responsible Tourism events.

 

TOURISM AND CHILD PROTECTION – THE CHILDSAFE MOVEMENT 

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-03-23-pmSpeaker: Valérie Sfeir, International Coordinator, ChildSafe Movement

How can the tourism industry reduce and avoid the negative impacts surrounding the issues of child protection? How can the protection of children be integrated into a sustainable and workable strategy? How can this strategy be valuable for businesses and travellers? With over 10 years’ experience in safeguarding children and youth from all forms of abuse, the ChildSafe Movement, a global protection initiative powered by Friends-International, has developed numerous tools to raise awareness and provide solutions to child protection amongst key tourism industry stakeholders as well as within all tiers of society and the international community.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN VISITOR DISPERSION AND THE SPREAD OF THE TOURISM DOLLAR  

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-10-41-pmSpeaker: Willem Niemeijer, CEO, YAANA Ventures 

The presentation will focus on the achievements and challenges of the community-based tourism projects of YAANA Ventures. It will highlight a number of projects, including kayaking in the Kayah State in Myanmar, the Banteay Chhmar CBT, Sambor Prei Kuk in Cambodia, and Anurak Community Lodge in Thailand. It will use these examples to inspire others in thinking outside the box and looking for new and innovative routes. With the advent of low-cost airlines, the tourism hubs in the region are under the severe pressure of mass tourism. To ensure sustainability in the sector, we need to have a more entrepreneurial spirit and meaningful cooperation between private sector, NGOs and governmental bodies to support visitor dispersion.

STORYTELLING TO PROMOTE THE MEKONG REGION  

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-28-21-pmSpeaker: Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is home to some of the most amazing authentic responsible travel experiences on the planet. Learn how an innovative three-prong strategy will tell impact stories of people in the GMS (in collaboration with UNWTO), where travellers share their #MekongMoments, and curated responsible experiences inspire travellers – all with the goal to make the small operator the hero, and shape the brand image of the region.


MONEY-SPINNERS FOR A TOURISM BUSINESS: GO LOCAL, ENGAGE COMMUNITY AND TEST ECO SOLUTIONS  


Speaker: Dr Marc van Loo, CEO, Loola Adventure Resort

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-43-03-pmBased on the speaker’s first-hand experience founding and running a multiple-award winning eco resort, Marc will make the case that it is profitable to employ only local people, let them run their own businesses, help the local community, and to embrace and test eco solutions such as rainwater collection, biological wastewater recycling and renewable power.

 

SEEING BEAUTY AND VALUE IN WASTE  


screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-44-57-pmSpeakers: Arnfinn Oines, Social and Environmental Conscience, Soneva & Secretary at Soneva Foundation 

Soneva’s vision is inspired by nature’s magnitude, mystery and enchanting beauty. We work hand in hand with the environment to craft beautiful, beyond bespoke experiences where discovery is a way of life. At Soneva, we believe that a business must exist for a greater purpose than just shareholder return. We have created a Waste-to-Wealth concept that sees value and beauty where other views as waste. Through small tweaks in our business model we are able to deliver a desirable resort experience and yet have net positive total impact on society and the environment.

MICE TOURISM AS A DRIVER OF SUSTAINABILITY?  CASE STUDIES AND LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM ASIA 

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-47-22-pmSpeaker: Pranav Sethaputra, Group Sustainability Consultant, MCI 

Business tourism is a significant economic engine for destinations but are we making the most of it’s potential as a catalyst for sustainability, prosperity and progress? Hear insights on what forward thinking tourism boards and convention bureau from around the region have done to advance their hospitality community and market their destinations whilst discovering top tips for activating sustainable MICE for your own business or destination.

 

PASSION IS NOT ENOUGH: PREPARING FOR SUCCESS IN WILDLIFE AND NATURE TOURISM MARKETING 

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-51-41-pmSpeaker: Alison Curry, Marketing Technical Director, Sam Veasna Centre 

Many wildlife responsible tourism initiatives are developed by passionate nature lovers and conservationists, but they are not prepared for what is required to successfully market in today’s digital environment. Marketing now requires collaboration from the entire organization – from bookings, to operations and field guides. All need to connect with marketing, and a completely new set of skills, processes and techniques learned. Using her experiences working with Sam Veasna Centre as a case study Alison will look at the major challenges for responsible Wildlife Tourism operators, how they need to develop organizationally, and key steps and techniques to achieving marketing success. Sam Veasna Centre is a wildlife conservation NGO achieving successful conservation through community based ecotourism around Cambodia.

THE RISE OF CSR IN MICE

Speaker: Sarah Griffin, Sales and Marketing Director, Buffalo Tours

screen-shot-2016-10-23-at-4-54-16-pmAs the rise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasing amongst companies, so too is the rise of CSR in the MICE industry. From corporate gifts to teambuilding to green venues, more and more companies are looking for MICE suppliers that can cater to their corporate values and the justification of MICE spend. Sarah Randall will discuss some of these trends that are emerging and suppliers who are meeting this demand. More importantly, she will address the benefits this provides to the supply chain and wider community and in Asia.

Responsible Tourism Events At ITB Asia 2016

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19-21 October 2016

Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Every year, ITB Asia offers experts, practitioners and pioneers a great stage for responsible tourism topics to be discussed. Wild Asia, ITB Asia’s official CSR partner is proud to put together and announce 2016’s series of Responsible Tourism events. Our line up of speakers have been carefully chosen to provide you with the latest trends, lessons learnt from successful case studies and inspiration needed to help you become better and more sustainable in your business.

Please note that ALL responsible tourism events will be held at the RESPONSIBLE TOURISM HUB in the main exhibition hall.  View floorplan.

 

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM CLINICS

20 October 2016 (Thursday)

Time Topic & Speaker(s)

10:00 – 10:30am 

TOURISM AND CHILD PROTECTION – THE CHILDSAFE MOVEMENT 

Speaker: Valérie Sfeir, International Coordinator, ChildSafe Movement Childtourism

How can the tourism industry reduce and avoid the negative impacts surrounding the issues of child protection? How can the protection of children be integrated into a sustainable and workable strategy? How can this strategy be valuable for businesses and travellers? With over 10 years’ experience in safeguarding children and youth from all forms of abuse, the ChildSafe Movement, a global protection initiative powered by Friends-International, has developed numerous tools to raise awareness and provide solutions to child protection amongst key tourism industry stakeholders as well as within all tiers of society and the international community.

10:30 – 11:00am

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN VISITOR DISPERSION AND THE SPREAD OF THE TOURISM DOLLAR  

Speaker: Willem Niemeijer, CEO, YAANA Ventures 

Screen Shot 2016-08-21 at 10.00.48 PMThe presentation will focus on the achievements and challenges of the community-based tourism projects of YAANA Ventures. It will highlight a number of projects, including kayaking in the Kayah State in Myanmar, the Banteay Chhmar CBT, Sambor Prei Kuk in Cambodia, and Anurak Community Lodge in Thailand. It will use these examples to inspire others in thinking outside the box and looking for new and innovative routes. With the advent of low-cost airlines, the tourism hubs in the region are under the severe pressure of mass tourism. To ensure sustainability in the sector, we need to have a more entrepreneurial spirit and meaningful cooperation between private sector, NGOs and governmental bodies to support visitor dispersion.

11:00 – 11:30am

STORYTELLING TO PROMOTE THE MEKONG REGION  

Speaker: Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office Screen Shot 2016-08-21 at 8.53.04 PM

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is home to some of the most amazing authentic responsible travel experiences on the planet. Learn how an innovative three-prong strategy will tell impact stories of people in the GMS (in collaboration with UNWTO), where travellers share their #MekongMoments, and curated responsible experiences inspire travellers – all with the goal to make the small operator the hero, and shape the brand image of the region.

11:30am – 12:00pm 

MONEY-SPINNERS FOR A TOURISM BUSINESS: GO LOCAL, ENGAGE COMMUNITY AND TEST ECO SOLUTIONS  

Speaker: Dr Marc van Loo, CEO, Loola Adventure Resort Screen Shot 2016-08-21 at 8.57.00 PM

Based on the speaker’s first-hand experience founding and running a multiple-award winning eco resort, Marc will make the case that it is profitable to employ only local people, let them run their own businesses, help the local community, and to embrace and test eco solutions such as rainwater collection, biological wastewater recycling and renewable power.

2:30 – 3:00pm

SEEING BEAUTY AND VALUE IN WASTE  

Speakers: Arnfinn Oines, Social and Environmental Conscience, Soneva & Secretary at Soneva Foundation  Screen Shot 2016-08-21 at 9.05.55 PM

Soneva’s vision is inspired by nature’s magnitude, mystery and enchanting beauty. We work hand in hand with the environment to craft beautiful, beyond bespoke experiences where discovery is a way of life. At Soneva, we believe that a business must exist for a greater purpose than just shareholder return. We have created a Waste-to-Wealth concept that sees value and beauty where other views as waste. Through small tweaks in our business model we are able to deliver a desirable resort experience and yet have net positive total impact on society and the environment.

3:00 – 3:30pm

MICE TOURISM AS A DRIVER OF SUSTAINABILITY? CASE STUDIES AND LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM ASIA 

Speaker: Pranav Sethaputra, Group Sustainability Consultant, MCI 

Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 1.20.20 PMBusiness tourism is a significant economic engine for destinations but are we making the most of it’s potential as a catalyst for sustainability, prosperity and progress? Hear insights on what forward thinking tourism boards and convention bureau from around the region have done to advance their hospitality community and market their destinations whilst discovering top tips for activating sustainable MICE for your own business or destination.
3:30 – 4:00pm

PASSION IS NOT ENOUGH: PREPARING FOR SUCCESS IN WILDLIFE AND NATURE TOURISM MARKETING 

Speaker: Alison Curry, Marketing Technical Director, Sam Veasna Centre 

Cambodia Bird ConservationMany wildlife responsible tourism initiatives are developed by passionate nature lovers and conservationists, but they are not prepared for what is required to successfully market in today’s digital environment. Marketing now requires collaboration from the entire organization – from bookings, to operations and field guides. All need to connect with marketing, and a completely new set of skills, processes and techniques learned. Using her experiences working with Sam Veasna Centre as a case study Alison will look at the major challenges for responsible Wildlife Tourism operators, how they need to develop organizationally, and key steps and techniques to achieving marketing success. Sam Veasna Centre is a wildlife conservation NGO achieving successful conservation through community based ecotourism around Cambodia.

4:00 – 4:30pm

THE RISE OF CSR IN MICE

Speaker: Sarah Griffin, Sales and Marketing Director, Buffalo ToursScreen Shot 2016-08-21 at 8.50.35 PM

As the rise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasing amongst companies, so too is the rise of CSR in the MICE industry. From corporate gifts to teambuilding to green venues, more and more companies are looking for MICE suppliers that can cater to their corporate values and the justification of MICE spend. Sarah Randall will discuss some of these trends that are emerging and suppliers who are meeting this demand. More importantly, she will address the benefits this provides to the supply chain and wider community and in Asia.

4:30 – 5:00pm

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN BOTSWANA

Speaker: Clement Nsala, Marketing Officer, Botswana Tourism 
 

10yrsRTA

“CELEBRATING A DECADE OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN ASIA” 

21 October 2016 (Friday) | 11am – 1pm

Time Details

11:00am – 12:30pm

ALL STARS IN RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 

Screen Shot 2016-08-21 at 10.09.17 PMWild Asia celebrates the 10th year anniversary of our flagship Responsible Tourism Awards by handpicking ten award winners to share their stories. This extraordinary two-hour special will showcase ten leaders and pioneers in responsible tourism throughout Asia. Join us for an amazing time as we discover, listen and watch a collection of short clips as our all-stars share their successes and challenges in their journey towards creating a business that impacts positively on local communities and planet earth. We will also share insights and lessons learnt after a decade of assessing and awarding sustainable tourism businesses in Asia.

12:30 – 1:00pm 

 Our friends from the GIZ and Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) will also share how you can be part of a growing movement of tourism businesses that want to make a difference.AEN provides networking and business opportunities, significant information, educational materials and networking prospects to both small and large organisations within Asia. The founding member countries comprise of Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, China, South Korea, Mongolia, India, Laos, Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines and Australia. Be there to learn how you can engage and grow together.logo-gizAEN

** Note – All sessions and speakers are subject to change. All changes will be updated on this webpage. Event organised and supported ITB Asia and Wild Asia.

itb-asia-logo~2    Logovertical

Responsible Tourism Event Speakers 2016

For the Responsible Tourism Events at ITB Asia this year, we continue to bring you the best and most relevant speakers that can inspire and change the way you think about travel. Responsible Tourism is not just a label, it is essentially the way we do business and the way we experience the world. Our speakers have been handpicked because of their leadership, experience, knowledge and passion to make the world a better place via tourism. And we are proud to introduce you to them…

2016 Responsible Tourism Event Speakers

Event Facilitator: Deborah Chan, Responsible Tourism Associate Specialist, Wild Asia

Deborah Chan_Ardent Traveler_2014A storyteller at heart, Deborah’s deep incessant passion for travel had her stumbling into the world of sustainable tourism by chance. As an associate specialist with Wild Asia, she has assessed more than 80 sustainable tourism award applications, visited over 40 sustainable tourism operators across Asia and provided advisory support and trained numerous tourism establishments. Her personal and professional experience in community development in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia has afforded her priceless lessons in strategic development and people management. Her varied skills allows for great versatility in understanding sustainability issues and adapting to different industries, destinations and people groups.

She believes that the only way tourism can become sustainable is if operators assume the responsibility of being leaders in their own destinations; sharing lessons learnt and providing support from within the industry. This is the reason why she continues to facilitate these responsible tourism events, since 2010.

Valerie SfeirValérie Sfeir, International Coordinator, ChildSafe Movement 

Based in Friends-International’s Cambodia HQ, Valérie leads the implementation of the award-winning ChildSafe Movement internationally, promoting sustainable tourism among all stakeholders whilst simultaneously building networks and supportive structures. Following 9 years in the luxury and private banking industries, considering socially responsible investments, Valérie now work with a global portfolio ranging from governmental tourism programs, tourism industry leaders and innovators, businesses and travelers on developing and implementing multiple child protection campaigns, trainings and processes. This aims at raising awareness and changing actors’ behaviors positively towards protecting children across all situations, and creating protective environments for children where they can thrive.


sarah griffinSarah Griffin, Sales and Marketing Director, Buffalo Tours

A part of the Buffalo Tours team since 2004, Sarah Griffin is certainly not new to travel in Asia. Though she is originally from Australia, she’s called the Asian region home for many years, and beyond her work within travel, Sarah loves discovering new and thrilling opportunities around each corner in the region. Sarah is an integral part of Buffalo Tours’ dedication to responsible travel, community connection and stellar customer service.

July 17, 2008. Vancouver, BC. Photo: Laura LeyshonJens Thraenhart, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office 

Jens Thraenhart was appointed by the tourism ministries of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and China (Yunnan and Guanxi) to head the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) as its Executive Director. The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is an inter-governmental body to promote the Mekong region as a single tourism destination, and foster responsible tourism development in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Jens Thraenhart is founder & president of Digital Innovation Asia (DIA). In 2009, he co-founded China Travel Trends, as well as award-winning China digital marketing and social media agency Dragon Trail, and has led marketing and Internet strategy teams with the Canadian Tourism Commission and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. He has consulted for many global companies, including recently Prestige Cruise Holdings (now Norwegian Cruise Lines), Swire Hotels, Dusit International, Shinta Mani Hotel Cambodia, and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Educated at Cornell University with a Masters of Management in Hospitality, Mr. Thraenhart was recognized as one of the travel industry’s top 100 rising stars by Travel Agent Magazine in 2003, was listed as one of HSMAI’s 25 Most Extraordinary Sales and Marketing Minds in Hospitality and Travel in 2004 and 2005, and named as one of the Top 20 Extraordinary Minds in European Travel and Hospitality in 2014. A UNWTO Affiliate Member, and past Chair of PATA China, he founded the Annual China Responsible Tourism Forum & Awards in 2011.

Dr MarcDr Marc van Loo, CEO, Loola Adventure Resort

Dr Marc van Loo is the founding CEO of LooLa Adventure Resort, winner of a number of global sustainability awards. With a PhD in theoretical physics and having taught in schools and universities for over a decade, Marc is a strong advocate of education and open source. Being Dutch means he’s strongly committed to win-win solutions that benefit all stakeholders. As such, his resort is operated exclusively by local staff and it acts as a testbed for open source eco solutions.

Arnfinn OinesArnfinn Oines, Social and Environmental Conscience, Soneva & Secretary at Soneva Foundation 

Arnfinn Oines works as Social & Environmental Conscience for Soneva resorts. He oversees the responsible business practices at Soneva, which have received numerous environmental awards including the prestigious World Travel & Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow Award 2015. Arnfinn has been involved in implementing and establishing the Soneva Carbon Calculator, Total Impact Assessment, Clean Water Projects, Soneva Forest Restoration Project, Myanmar Stoves Campaign, the Soneva Foundation, the SLOW LIFE Symposium and the group’s Social & Environmental policy and procedures. 

Prior Arnfinn oversaw the responsible business practices of Six Senses. He co-founded and opened Earthwalkers Hotel in Cambodia as General Manager. He also worked as Course Director for International Tourism Institute in Spain. Arnfinn holds a BA in Adventure Tourism Management and MBA in Hospitality & Tourism.

Willem-Niemeijer--e1454318195175

Willem Neimeijer, CEO, YAANA Ventures

Willem is the CEO of YAANA Ventures, an owner, partner and operator of entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. Through YAANA, Willem built brands that share real experiences that are grounded in the cultural richness of Asia. More importantly, Willem drives each venture to champion the triple bottom-line: to nurture the people with whom we work, to sustain the planet we all share, and to pursue profits to expand our mission.

Willem founded Khiri Travel at the end of 1993 with a vision of creating a travel company delivering Thailand and Indochina as “4 countries, 1 destination”. He created Khiri Reach, Khiri Travel’s dedicated foundation, which adopts twelve projects that aid underprivileged communities, promote animal welfare, protect local heritage and steward the environment. In the late 1990s, to compliment his travel business, Willem founded a jungle lodge in a remote and breathtaking location in Southern Laos. Tad Fane Resort has since pioneered the development of tourism in the region. Over the following years, he expanded Khiri Travel into Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Maldives. With Khiri Travel continuing to grow sustainably, Willem turned his eye to transplanting the seeds of success he learned through growing Khiri Travel and Tad Fane Resort to the businesses that today form the core of YAANA Ventures: Anurak Community Lodge, GROUND (sustainable community development through service learning),  Khiri Travel, Banteay Chhmar Tents and Grasshopper Adventures.

Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 1.28.19 PMPranav Sethaputra, Group Sustainability Consultant, MCI 

Pranav is a Group Sustainability Consultant of MCI, the world’s leading provider of strategic engagement and activation solutions in the meetings, events, association and congress industries. As part of MCI’s Sustainability Services team, Pranav provides strategic advisory services to MCI’s clients, working hand-in-hand with corporations, associations, governments, venues and destinations seeking a competitive advantage through a structured sustainability programme. Leveraging on sustainability, Pranav helps MCI’s clients enhance organisational performance, grow globally, energise communities and drive business results.

With core competencies in brand marketing, social research and sustainability consulting, Pranav brings a specialist focus in how businesses can benefit from a structured Sustainability & Communications Strategy. His experience includes working with community, stakeholder engagement and environmental issues for a diverse range of organisations & businesses both in and outside of the events world. His past clients include the likes of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, SAP, BP, Boeing and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Pranav is also responsible for bringing MCI’s own sustainability commitments to life, guiding MCI’s 100+ Sustainability Champions to develop their local activation strategy in the company’s rapidly expanding 61 offices globally.

Alison Curry_Siem Reap_2016Alison Curry, Marketing Technical Advisor, Sam Veasna Centre

Alison has 25 years’ experience in marketing and organisational development across Europe and Asia, working with some of the biggest brands in the world including Coca-Cola, Nike, Nokia and Unilever. She has launched 3 businesses and trained MNCs in digital marketing, innovation and the development of digital and marketing ready organisations.  After realising that her work was at odds with her values she started a long process of self-education to move towards using her powers for good, including volunteering and professional sabbaticals working in Laos, Sulawesi and Malaysia with environmental, fair trade and social enterprise organisations. She is now working with Sam Veasna Centre for Wildlife Conservation, a Cambodian wildlife conservation and ecotourism NGO as Marketing Technical Advisor to help this remarkable organisation to grow.

 

sschwepcke-headshotSarah Schwepcke, Head – Responsible and Inclusive Business Hub Southeast Asia (RIBH), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (giz) GmbH

Sarah Schwepcke leads the Southeast Asia Section of the Responsible and Inclusive Business Hubs (RIBH), a programme implemented in Southeast Asia, Southern Africa and the Middle-East / North-Africa Region on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. The Hubs aim to support companies to successfully design and implement responsible and inclusive business models and to promote private sector engagement in international cooperation projects. A particular focus is laid on the tourism industry, amongst other sectors such as agriculture and ICT. Sarah Schwepcke, an innovation management and youth employment specialist, holds Master Degrees in International Management and International Affairs & Governance by the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and the CEMS Global Alliance in Management Education. Building on her private-sector focus, she has been working on behalf of GIZ-implemented programmes in Egypt and Southeast Asia for the past five years.

Call for Speakers for Responsible Tourism Event at ITB Asia 2016

12010497_1010368992317732_8024689270819163780_o

We are looking for world-class speakers to join our panel. Share your experience!

Responsible Tourism Events at ITB Asia in Singapore | 19 – 21 October 2016 

This is your opportunity to take an active role and share your knowledge and experience at the Asia’s largest travel trade show. We are looking for sustainable tourism practitioners who are seeking to inspire others in making tourism a driver for change socially, environmentally and economically for Asian destinations.

Be heard at one of Asia’s largest travel trade show – ITB Asia! We are seeking presentations and/or papers for the following topics. The organising committee is also open to explore other related topics, kindly contact deborah@wildasia.org if you have other ideas not in the list:

  1. Quality and profitable eco/green/sustainable tourism – How to make it happen?
  2. Communicating Responsible Tourism via New Media and other channels
  3. Indigenous & cultural tourism
  4. Community based tourism
  5. Wildlife and nature-based tourism
  6. Mainstreaming Responsible Tourism
  7. Experiential Responsible Tourism – How do you involve travellers?
  8. Sustainable tourism trends and emerging markets
  9. Best practice case studies: Achievements & challenges

Submission guidelines:

Closing date for submissions 22 July, 2016 (Friday).

Presentations must address the following:

Relevance to Asian-based tourism operators and helps promote the mainstreaming of responsible tourism in Asia
With case studies, please share lessons learnt and outcomes of the project/program.

To apply, email us and include the following:

  • Name and speaker’s bio
  • Presentation title: The title should aim to be precise and concise so that it conveys a clear message
  • Presentation abstract: Abstract should contain brief summary of the content areas of your proposed topic
  • Paper to accompany your presentation abstract (if any) or supporting information

Note to speakers:

  • All speakers must be able to cover their travel and accommodation costs.
  • Speakers will be given a complimentary speaker pass that includes access to the trade show for the day of your presentation.
  • Speakers will be notified if their presentation has been accepted by 7 August, 2016.

Submission of Paper/Presentation:

Please email your paper or presentation, including an abstract to Deborah Chan at deborah@wildasia.org before 22 July, 2016 (Friday).

Responsible Tourism Leaders Webinar Schedule

Webinar series

 

In conjunction with our friends at TrainingAid, and to celebrate our 10th Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards, we are delighted to be co-hosting a series of educational webinars. We’ve scheduled several engaging and eye-opening webinars with responsible tourism leaders who have featured in our Awards over the years. These webinars will be an opportunity to learn from pioneers and experts in the field, on various key topics in sustainable travel.

Coming up next…


8Thursday 4th August (4pm Thailand)

Maximising Community Benefits Through Social Innovation & Responsible Volunteer Travel

Featuring PEPY Tours and The Blue Yonder

How can responsible tourism operators successfully adopt the social enterprise model? Join our live conversation with responsible tourism leaders The Blue Yonder and PEPY Tours, and learn how the inclusive and community-oriented business model works in practice.

Join the Live Session

bannerThursday 11th August (4pm Thailand)

Make it Count: how to scale up sustainable tourism

Featuring The Travel Foundation and Leeds Beckett University

Join this free session to find out what practical and profitable actions you can take within your business to scale up the sales of your sustainable tourism products, and how supply chain partners can work together more effectively to sell more sustainable tourism for mutual benefit.

Join the Live Session

Free Replay

7343612936_7ac79a1450_oThursday 23rd June (4pm Thailand)

Taking Sustainable Luxury to the Next Level

How can luxury resorts and hotels embrace sustainability and play an active role in creating positive sustainability solutions for the travel and tourism industry?

Learn from the internationally recognized sustainable luxury leaders who are redefining what it means to offer authentic luxury travel experiences, and demonstrating that socially responsible and environmentally sound practices can – and should – be a key part of successful and competitive hospitality brands.

Featuring Soneva Resorts and El Nido Resorts

Catch it on demand (log in required)

Wild Asia retains the right to change the details in this schedule and for regular updates please check out www.trainingaid.org

Vacancy – Videographer

We are delighted to advertise this exciting opportunity for a budding and professional videographer! This position blends the unique and exciting opportunity to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of South and South East Asia, with the chance to capture educational messages, which will be showcased at the region’s largest B2B travel trade show.

 

Purpose and overview:

For 10 years, Wild Asia has delivered the only regional Responsible Tourism Awards, recognizing leaders in sustainability from around the South and South East Asia region.  Every year for the last decade, we have collected case studies and stories from these businesses and initiatives, with a mission to reward these inspirational organisations for their achievements, as well as educate the business community by sharing their replicable lessons learned.  2016 marks our 10th birthday, and rather than inviting more new businesses to gain recognition, we are reconnecting with past Awardees and highlighting their successes, challenges, and stories. The information collected through 10 site visits in 8 countries will be showcased and ‘launched’ at ITB Asia in Singapore, and will be readily available online and open source, with the support to share with media and industry partners.

Project outcome:

10 videos 3-5 minutes long for each site identified in our 2016 Responsible Tourism Awards special 10th birthday reflection celebration

We’re looking for:

Three to four individuals who can be responsible for sub-regional hubs, and must be based in…

  1. Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines – appointed
  2. Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia – appointed
  3. India – vacant

Timeline requirement (no flexibility):

  • Travel dates – visit allocated locations before early September, with the flexibility to coincide these visits with our destination-based staff who will facilitate the site visits
  • Final editing complete – all 10 videos must be fully edited and ready for viewing by the end of October, for their official launch at ITB Asia in Singapore

Professional requirements:

You must have worked on professional video filming and editing before, preferably videos with a social and/or educational mission. You will need to take the lead as our videographer expert, directing at times, filming candid moments, and taking full ownership of the final piece. Shots will include location only, interviews, some narrated, etc.

Personal requirements:

  • Flexible schedule to be able to travel to locations at relatively short notice
  • Hard working attitude with an ability to plan ahead of visits and coordinate a plan for shooting which can be captured in just 2 days per site
  • Passion for social and environmental justice and change, which is communicated through powerful and education videos
  • Located within the South and South East Asia region, or able to return to Kuala Lumpur between site visits for travel purposes

Benefits:

  • Expenses and remuneration – All travel to the sites will be covered by Wild Asia. All accommodation at the locations across a 2-day site visit, will be supported by our Awardees. The budget (available on request) left over per video after travel costs, will be paid to the videographer for their work.
  • Travel – Complimentary travel to 10 locations including: Philippines, Malaysian Borneo, Indonesia near Singapore, Western India, Cambodia, Northern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand
  • International showcase – Videos will be launched at ITB Asia travel trade show and shown to tourism professionals and businesses from around the world. Following this, videos will be shared via travel trade partners and media supporters across the globe.
  • Be part of the change! – These videos highlight some of the 10 most inspirational responsible tourism initiatives in Asia, and will educate others to follow suit far and wide. Their educational content will raise awareness of why and how sustainability makes a difference, and change the travel industry for better from within.

Apply now! Urgent vacancy 

This vacancy is on a tight schedule, so please do not delay applying for the opportunity to take part. Send us links to your videos and/or portfolio, with an email highlighting how you meet and exceed the above requirements. Send to Amy, Responsible Tourism Awards Manager, amy@wildasia.org

 

Asian Elephants in Captivity: A Closer Look

This article is reposted from Buffalo Tours website…

Last year, Buffalo Tours launched an ambitious initiative to tackle an important issue: the welfare of captive elephants in Asia. Coming from a long history in logging, many elephants now live in captivity within tourism camps whose main income is elephant riding – a practice that raises important questions about animal welfare. As leaders in responsible travel, Buffalo Tours completed an encompassing review of our tours to establish strict welfare standards, with the ambition to phase out riding in the future.

A year on, we invited Nicolas Dubrocard of WildAsia on a visit a collection of camps to shed light on the issue, our initiative and the future of captive elephants in Asia. Go behind-the-scenes with him for a closer look at our steps toward lasting change. This is the story from his perspective.

My first would-be interaction with wild elephants was only a few years ago. I was in Khao Yai National Park – a vast and beautiful region of Thailand just a stone’s throw from Bangkok. The two-day trip was a master class in wildlife spotting – bats, giant lizards, birds and deer darted in and out of view while we trekked and drove our way through dense jungle foliage.

We were mesmerised by the life of the jungle, but our group of eight was most looking forward to one particular wildlife close encounter: spotting wild elephants.

I remember the sun beginning to set on our second day, and a palpable excitement course through our group. This was the golden hour for elephants, our guide told us, and it was just a matter of time before the gentle giants wandered into our peripheral. All of us were squeezed into the back of a pick-up truck, oblivious to our discomfort as we rattled toward an area where elephant spotting was best.

Khao Yai Guide

The truck came to a halt, and we spilled out onto a quiet park road flanked by jungle. Minutes passed as our group waited silently, motionless for fear that any movement would spook the creatures still hidden in the trees. The sun was nearly beyond the horizon, and our eyes darted to our guide, whose gentle smile was beginning to give way to worry.

Suddenly the walkie on his hip crackled to life, and after a few muffled words of Thai, he urged us back into the truck. “There are elephants on the other side of the park,” he assured us, before throwing the truck into drive and speeding down the road well above the speed limit. Our cameras ready, we tumbled back out of the truck a few minutes later as our guide motioned triumphantly toward a pile of elephant droppings. While the most enthusiastic of the bunch began snapping photos, I remained in my seat, feeling dejected.

Khao Yai Wild Elephant

As the night fell and our hopes of seeing wild elephants evaporated, the atmosphere in my car shifted from happy anticipation to forlorn disappointment. Many knew that this would be the last time they’d ever have an opportunity to see wild elephants, and I could sense the frustration hidden behind their sad expressions.

“Did we really care about the elephants, or did we care about the photos on our camera instead?”

Yet only hours ago, these same sad faces were overcome with excitement at the prospect of experiencing elephants in the wild. Despite my own disappointment, the shift of the group’s energy made me wonder – what made international travellers react this way? If these elephants were living in peace, comfort and freedom, who were we to change things for our own amusement? Did we really care about the elephants, or did we care about the photos on our camera instead? Being part of this paradox left a bad taste in my mouth.

Close Encounters

A few years later, I would find myself in Ayutthaya, Thailand with my wife. She had one goal in mind – to ride an elephant. We travelled to an elephant camp where dozens of tourists were queuing near a raised platform, climbing aboard an elephant for a 20-minute ride along a busy road packed with cars and trucks.

Based only on what I saw with my own two eyes, I had a gut feeling that something was off. It was hot – nearly 40 degrees in the sun – and the elephants appeared to be anything but happy. The procession seemed a million miles away from the lush national park in which I’d once hoped to see elephants in their natural habitat. If wild elephants lived hidden within the depths of a lush Thai jungle, how could this environment be appropriate for the very same creatures?

elephant

With a strange sense of discomfort, I decided not to go for a ride, and let my wife to go along without me. She jokingly dubbed me a “sustainability freak”, even though I’d never considered myself an animal welfare advocate before. To me, it wasn’t a matter of ethics or animal welfare – what lay in front of me was common sense.

My stroll around the camp solidified by discomfort. These incredible creatures were living in squalor – on extremely short chains attached to trees, swinging back and forth on their front legs like a metronome. Nearby, tourists goaded the creatures with bananas or corn, snapping selfies as the visibly concerned but powerless mahouts looked on.

“To me, it wasn’t a matter of ethics or animal welfare – what lay in front of me was common sense.”

In front of me was a prime example of supply and demand. The care of the elephants surely relied on the income of the camp, and even well-meaning tourists threw money at the opportunity to tick another item off of their bucket list by riding an elephant. Meanwhile, camp owners and mahouts gave the tourists what they wanted – knowing full-well that by doing anything less, the camp’s income (and ultimately the capital for the elephant’s care) would dry up.

A History of Struggle

I’d learn later that these incredible creatures were often veterans of the logging trade, and came from even more dire working conditions than the tourist camps. In 1989, logging was officially banned in Thailand after a series of disastrous floods that wreaked havoc on local communities. In a desperate bid to keep their gargantuan wards fed and sheltered, the out-of-work elephants’ mahouts would send them to the only place they knew they could: to the elephant camps.

Bathing time for elephants

With the cost of feeding a single captive elephant for one day at $30 – and with average monthly income in Thailand just under $500  caring for these creatures required one important thing: money. Despite popular belief, captive elephants are virtually impossible to release back into the wild, and require care and food throughout their 50-year life spans. The industry was faced with a dilemma – allow the elephants to die out, or provide an incentive for tourists to visit elephant camps with their vital travel dollars?

“The industry was faced with a dilemma – allow the elephants to die out, or provide an incentive for tourists to visit elephant camps with their vital travel dollars?”

Thus, the market for elephant riding was born – fueled by the well-meaning but misguided aspirations of travellers. While many camps attempted to build a larger boundary between the elephants and visitors, travel dollars most often funneled toward camps that provided the biggest “bang for the buck”.  More often than not, these same camps were the ones with the worst treatment of their elephants.

elephant 2

But in the early 2000s, the public began waking up to the mistreatment within the elephant tourism industry. Shocked and appalled by the treatment many captive elephants endured, a flurry of elephant riding and elephant camp boycotts sprung up among the travel community. Yet, even as more informed travellers call for an end to all elephant riding, the gaps that they leave behind are quickly filled by those that either don’t know or don’t care about elephant welfare.  Which leaves those committed to lasting change with an important question: how can change at a demand level really work?

Change at a Demand Level

In my work with Wild Asia, I collaborate with countless hospitality and travel brands in order to make the travel industry more responsible and sustainable. In recent years, the discussion about elephant welfare began bubbling to the surface – and around the same time, the responsible travel team at Buffalo Tours approached me with an exciting new project.

The Buffalo team was embarking on a massive and encompassing audit of all of the elephant camps that they worked with, using a lengthy set of criteria. The intention was to not only source camps that were the gold standard for elephant welfare, but also find those that were committed to making a change but needed support in doing so.

“The intention was to not only source camps that were the gold standard for elephant welfare, but also find those that were committed to making a change but needed support in doing so.”

The goal was two-fold: reward responsible camps with more business, as well as give other worthy camps the tools and incentive they needed to change their operations. By doing so, the Buffalo team hoped that they could be at the forefront of a massive change. But as a team of locals, they knew that this quantum shift must begin with discourse. Only then could they lead camp owners away from the quick win, and toward a more responsible future.

elephant 3

In April of 2016, I was lucky enough to visit three of Buffalo Tours’ proudest examples of change in Thailand. Throughout my visits to these three elephant camps, I learned about what change really looks like at a demand level – and about how travellers themselves play a massive part in all of it. In part two of this series, I’ll share these lessons I learnt and how I see the future for elephants in Asia.

 

Presentations From Responsible Tourism Events At ITB Asia 2015

FullSizeRenderOn behalf of ITB Asia, Wild Asia would like to thank you for participating in the Responsible Tourism Clinics and Forum at ITB Asia 2015. We would also like to thank all our speakers who graciously spared their time to share their wealth of experience and knowledge with us. We had a stellar crowd at the Responsible Tourism Centre booth and many meaningful and passionate discussions took place. Let’s hope they translate into reality, making destinations better for tourists and local communities that depend on it. If you missed the responsible tourism events, don’t fret. We have compiled the presentations below. Click on the title or image below to view the presentation of your choice. Wild Asia hopes that you glean from these amazing case studies and knowledge. Please contact rt@wildasia.org if you wish to be part of 2016′s Responsible Tourism events.

ELEPHANTS IN TOURISM: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

buffalo tours

Speaker: Graham Harper, Director of Educational and Responsible Travel, Buffalo Tours

Elephants in captivity are an ethical concern. Rapid tourism growth coupled with inadequate regulations encourage treatment that threaten the survival of these amazing wild creatures.Welfare of elephants must be improved and we believe responsible tourism is the most viable solution. Tourism done right can assist the survival of captive elephants throughout Asia and provide clients with an inspiring experience. This session presents the Good, the Bad & the Ugly of elephant experiences by following the Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism developed by ABTA, Travelife Sustainability criteria, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism & Sports Elephant Standard, and Buffalo Tours captive elephant camp checklist.

HOW TO USE TOURISM AS AN INCENTIVE FOR CONSERVATION: STORIES FROM CAMBODIA, LAOS & MYANMAR 

wcsSpeaker: Paul Eshoo, Regional Conservation Enterprise Advisor, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) 

Tourism is often described as a way to provide alternative livelihoods for people living around protected areas. For the sake of conservation, this general theory may be more effective with more targeted incentives for the protection of specific species. The use of incentives through tourism payments is being explored by WCS at sites in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Lessons learned can be applied by others in the industry with little cost and high impact.

BUILDING COMMUNITY FUND & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.22.31 PMSpeaker: Chananya Phataraprasit, Founder, Asian Oasis Travel

The presentation will focus on the philosophy of Asian Oasis Travel and the concept of sustainable tourism. It will cover the company’s main principles, which are preservation, development, sustainability and delivery, with overview of how each principle is implemented and the result. We will also share our challenges and success stories.

HOTEL RESILIENT: STRENGTHENING THE RESILIENCE OF THE TOURISM SECTOR

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.23.50 PMSpeaker: Hanna Maier, Junior Advisor, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

A single disaster event has the potential to cause widespread damage and economic disruption, affecting private and public investments in tourism destinations, and the country’s image and reputation, while posing a threat to the lives of tourist, workers and surrounding communities. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is collaborating with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Asia and Pacific (UNISDR) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) within the framework of the Global Initiative on Disaster Risk Management (GIDRM) to improve climate and disaster risk management and to strengthen resilience in hotels and throughout destinations.

ADVENTURE TOURISM: THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM OPPORTUNITY FOR EMERGING MARKETS

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.25.18 PMSpeaker: Shannon Stowell, President, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) 

Shannon Stowell will provide an overview and definition of adventure tourism and discuss the market and environmental opportunity it represents today. Included in his presentation are statistics on the market value of the global adventure tourism market and results from original survey research into the preferences and behaviors of U.S. adventure travelers (one of the largest source markets for international adventure travel). Included are survey results indicating an interest in Asian destinations for adventure travel. Mr. Stowell will also share information on when adventure tourism product development makes sense for a destination, trending activities, the importance of environmental management and tour operator best practices in securing a competitive position in the global marketplace for adventure experiences, and the triple bottom line benefits of adventure tourism market development.

QUALITY & PROFITABLE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: ECOLODGES INDONESIA’S STORY  

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.26.45 PMSpeakers: Gede Ori Ariandika, General Manager and Steve Noakes, Director, Ecolodges Indonesia 

Ecolodges Indonesia (ELI) is a for-profit social enterprise with an inclusive business model that focusses on biodiversity conservation and improving the livelihoods of its staff and immediate suppliers. The company is guided by veterinary medicine specialists, volunteer environmentalists and sustainable tourism professionals from within Indonesia and internationally. All five of the ecolodges is subject to an in-house ecological plan which has enabled one of the ecolodges to achieve a carbon footprint more than 30 times less than the average in the tourism hotspot of Kuta,Bali.


THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOURISM 

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 9.17.12 PMSpeaker: Mariglo Laririt, Director of Environment and Sustainability, El Nido Resorts

El Nido is a small municipality in the Philippines. Typical of most of the country’s coastal villages, its economic base was fishing, using a variety of methods legal or not, until the late ‘70s. El Nido’s natural environment, however, is far from typical. It is an area of extraordinary biodiversity and stunning vistas. Doors were opened to Tourism when Ten Knots set up a rustic dive camp in one of the islands. Three and a half decades later, Tourism’s footprint is evident in every aspect of life in El Nido. For better or for worse, who is responsible?

CONSERVATION & TRAVEL: GIANT PANDAS, EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEERING IN CHINA

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.30.20 PMSpeaker: Luo Peng, Founder, Eco Action 

Based on EcoAction’s successful pilots trips, Hainan Tropical Forest, Giant Panda, and Asian Elephant, Luo Peng will explain the holistic approach of integrating nature, wildlife, community and education into her tours. Her unique business model combines key elements that make up a destination – the environment, wildlife and people dependant on it. EcoAction have helped connect urban travellers with China’s amazing and diverse ecosystem. 

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES: THE KEY TO COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM 

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.28.32 PMSpeaker: Yurie Nagashima, Business & Development Manager, Kinyei 

Kinyei has been operating two small businesses, a bicycle tour operator and a café, while employing local youth in Battambang, Cambodia. Kinyei has always regarded the partnership with local communities as critical for the businesses to thrive and become sustainable. The road has not been easy, however, especially when the businesses are small, just starting, have limited capital, and need to compete in a competitive market. The presentation will highlight the activities Kinyei has done with the local communities, how we train and manage local youth to become competent and confident professionals, and challenges and lessons learned along the way.

THE NEW PLATFORM TO INTERWEAVE THE PEOPLES OF ASIA, CONSERVATION AND TOURISM

Screen Shot 2015-10-16 at 12.31.45 PMSpeakers: Masaru Takayama, Founding Chair and Supaporn Prachumpai, Secretary, Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN)

As of June 2, 2015, Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) was established in Bangkok with the aids of Thai government, DASTA. The Network will supply more hands-on connections and relevant opportunities for members working together at a regional level. It will provide more networking and business opportunities, significant information, educational materials and networking prospects to both small and large organisations within Asia. The founding member countries comprise of Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, China, South Korea, Mongolia, India, Laos, Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines and Australia. Be there to learn how you can engage and grow together with AEN!

BOTSWANA & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 9.05.26 PM Speaker: Thabo Brian Dithebe, Chief Executive Officer, Botswana Tourism Organisation

World HOST, 29 Nov – 2 Dec

Amy, our Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Manager, is honoured to have been invited to talk as part of the program of the World HOST event in several weeks time. World HOST is the first World Homestay Organisations Summit for Tourism, and we’re really excited to be part of it!

World HOST 2015 brings together for the first time, the global movement in community and homestay networks and initiatives. More than 300 delegates are expected at this inaugural summit and we are excited to host this auspicious event in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Why World HOST?

Emphasizing that tourism markets continually look for interesting new experiences, bespoke itineraries, and immersive activities, this Summit provides the platform for individuals, organised groups, travel and tourism planners and promoters to access locally-nuanced, culturally-engaged, individually-styled travel experiences. The breadth of opportunities is seemingly endless. At the same time, accessing community and homestay locations provides wonderful support to local enterprises and economic development for communities and to the less accessible regions.

Speakers

A full list of speakers can be found here. Amy will be joined by experts in the field of community-based tourism from all over the Asia-Pacific region! The event will provide an opportunity for delegates to meet representatives and homestay operators from across the globe, sharing knowledge and ideas, to create positive global impact through ethical tourism.

Amy will be there sharing best practice learned through our annual Awards.

Join the Event

To join the event in KL, you can register at their website here www.worldhost2015.com