10:00 – 10:30am 

TOURISM AND CHILD PROTECTION – THE CHILDSAFE MOVEMENT 

Speaker: 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.

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 

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.

11:00 – 11:30am

STORYTELLING TO PROMOTE THE MEKONG REGION  

Speaker: 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.

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

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 

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 

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 

Speaker: 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.

4:00 – 4:30pm

THE RISE OF CSR IN MICE

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

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 

11:00am – 12:30pm

ALL STARS IN RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 

Wild 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