Proposed tourism developments, which include a light railway, high-end hotel and convention facilities, at Mount Fuji will soon make Japan’s most famous peak an even more accessible and welcoming destination.
Ambitious plans are underway to construct a light railway to around half-way up Mount Fuji. Blueprints show a terminus at the Fifth Station on the south flank of the mountain. The Fifth Station is at 2,305 metres above sea level and can presently be accessed by road, serving as the most popular starting point for hikers planning to ascend to the 3,776-metre peak.
The lack of accommodation facilities at Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station has discouraged visitors from exploring the area in depth
The Yamanashi prefectural government also announced the construction of a 40-room, high-end hotel close to the Fifth Station, and an international conference centre and other accommodation and infrastructure options close to the mountain. There are plans to collaborate with other local tourist facilities, such as the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.
The government expects to charge 10,000 yen (US$67) for a round-trip ticket on the railway and anticipates that the line could generate around 1.56 trillion yen in the four decades after completion.
“We are considering the development of the base of the mountain and the Fifth Station in harmony with the surrounding natural environment,” said Katsuhiro Iwama, promotion director in the Yamanashi government’s Fuji-san Conservation and Tourism Ecosystem Promotion Division.
“Particularly at the Fifth Station, there is a lack of accommodation facilities for visitors to fully enjoy their stay,” he said. “Although there are activities such as watching the sun rise and taking walks without climbing to the summit, many visitors leave without realising this due to their short stay. We believe that building a hotel can be a tool to enhance the appeal of the Fifth Station.”
The prefecture also hopes that a regular train service will help to limit numbers of visitors to the UNESCO-listed mountain, which has experienced significant problems with overtourism since Japan reopened to tourists after the pandemic.
In 2022, the Gold Coast rolled out The imagination capital of Australia campaign to highlight the destination’s versatility in delivering events that demand both creativity and strong business impact.
Two years on, the Gold Coast is still impressing event planners with its ability to breathe life into imagined event concepts. The city’s creative advantage has constantly been sharpened by new and revitalised hardware and experiences. In fact, the stream of new highlights gifts Experience Gold Coast’s annual destination showcase, This Is Gold Coast (TIGC), with plenty of content to show off. The tradeshow is designed to present event ideas to invited planners and stimulate business event activations in the city.
Skyline of Miami Beach
Experience Gold Coast director of business events Brooke Campbell told TTGmice that every edition of TIGC would present a different programme.
For TIGC 2024 (TIGC24), which took place from July 22-27, some 60 event planners, PCOs and media representatives from Australia and New Zealand experienced a breakfast event at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s new beach club alongside high-energy stunts performed by JetPack Entertainment and Event over the property’s lagoon beach pool; played a round of friendly golf at the colourful ranges of Topgolf Gold Coast; explored the creative use of venues at the sprawling Home of the Arts through a breakfast showcase on the Outdoor Stage; sailed the scenic Gold Coast Broadwater on the stylish YOT Club catamaran while digging into lunch; partied at both Kirra Beach House and Miami Marketta; and warmed up the brand-new Homestead event venue within Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
A new feature this year, according to Campbell, was a series of inspection streams, established to ensure hotels and venues presented were aligned to the needs of different buyers. One stream was built for small- and medium-sized associations, another for PCOs, and the third for incentive event buyers.
The Gold Coast is living and growing, thanks to innovative hospitality players “who are always investing in new products”, said Campbell.
The Star integrated resort will open its second residence tower in early 2025, adding another 200 keys to the city’s room inventory, which will also be boosted by two luxury properties under the Marriott and St. Regis labels in the coming years.
Another tourism newcomer to watch is Sol Elements, which will open later this year. Located on Tamborine Mountain, Sol Elements is a wellness-focused bathhouse that revitalises guests through communal onsens, cold plunge pools, float therapy, infrared saunas, body clay treatments, and a Himalayan Salt Cave.
Architects of Vibe brings events to life with creative styling
The laidback Kirra Beach district has stirred to life, especially among the young and trendy, with the opening of the stylish Kirra Beach House at end-2023. The ocean-facing dining destination boasts interiors that social media adores and dishes out a Mediterranean-style grazing menu and an exceptional selection of world-class cocktails and wines. For TIGC24, owner/operator Site Hospitality took the chance to unveil Kirra Beach House’s new venue. Named Coastal Room, the space on the second floor comes with indoor areas, as well as outdoor terraces. It can accommodate up to 700 guests.
The emergence of fresh products has galvanised existing players in the Gold Coast to get competitive and spin new ideas with what they have.
QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise now features refreshed guestrooms and venues, having completed renovations a year ago. A sweet summer beach house vibe envelops the hotel’s interior, with the barefoot luxury resort characteristic strongest in its collection of six designer qtQT Cabins. The cabins encircle a fireplace and social area, and the entire area can be chartered for exclusive gatherings.
The Island, a boutique hotel in Surfers Paradise, also beckons corporate groups with a whole new look that reflects “a Queensland seaside village”. Apart from 78 stylish guestrooms and suites, the property offers six event spaces that speak to planners desiring ready-to-roll party venues. The Glasshouse, stands out especially, with its picturesque interior, glass-panel walls, extra-high ceilings, and generous inclusion of an indoor hall, alfresco bar and deck area that can accommodate 700 guests in a cocktail setting.
Entertainers at The Island’s Glasshouse
The established Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, has also been refreshed while its recent partnership with event production specialist Encore has given the property more creative muscle to support event clients with a range of advanced visual features and creative experience styling.
Just as much is happening on the attractions front.
TopgolF Gold Coast, a hit with teambuilding groups, introduced an upgraded gaming system in August, which enables players to track the ball as soon as it has been hit, giving information on distance, height and speed. Corporate groups can also look forward to fun and friendly games designed to enliven social programmes in between solemn business meetings.
Meanwhile, the Harbour Town Premium Outlets has embarked on a multi-million-dollar precinct upgrade to improve the shopping experience. Works, set to complete later this year, will include the addition of new dining outlets, and refreshed outdoor spaces.
Campbell is optimistic that the blend of old and new offers a “refreshing destination experience” and brings a never-before-done spin to programmes, especially those with repeat guests.
Avril Harris, executive director of events, Experience Gold Coast, said the Gold Coast’s fun and creative offerings were a force to be reckoned with.
She said: “Can you find a better destination than the Gold Coast? This is one of our advantages. Whether you come here for a conference or a holiday, you get all the benefits of a holiday destination.”
“We have amazing hotels. In between meetings, attendees can go to the beach, explore the hinterland, and engage in a whole range of different tourism experiences in our city,” Harris continued.
There are currently 160 Gold Coast experiences within a 30-minute drive of the city for event delegates to choose from.
Furthermore, with the Gold Coast being the home of several high profile festivals, such as the Supercars Championship Gold Coast 500 races and the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, corporate groups can easily elevate their meeting programme with a memorable hospitality experience at a major event of their choice.
International corporate groups are truly spoilt for choice in the Gold Coast, remarked Dylan Bond, director of Queensland-based event planner Architects of Vibes. No matter how they decide to build their destination experience, groups have the benefit of “everything an event needs” in the city, he added.
“We have the airport just down the road, making it easy for international clients to come straight in, and look at the variety of options that we have for small groups through to large conventions.
Our beaches and hinterlands are all so accessible, and our event venues are of the highest calibre. It is easy to source locally for food, wine and entertainment, which is such a draw for international guests looking for experiences different from what they get back home and which are unique to the destination,” Bond said.
Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour offers an iconic view of the vibrant city’s skyline
In the culturally diverse and vibrant international hub of Hong Kong, renowned for its harmonious blend of the modern and traditional, planners can mix business and leisure seamlessly.
Those looking for new and creative ways to motivate and empower their teams can turn to the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook. Presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), it is designed to be a one-stop guide for incentive planners to craft authentic and memorable experiences that achieve their team-building objectives.
The informative playbook comprises a variety of more than 100 imaginative ideas for incentive groups across five themes – Arts & Culture; Wellness & Nature; Neighbourhoods; Nightlife & Parties, and Hong Kong Signatures. Here are TTG’s best picks:
Arts & Culture
M+ is Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture offers a fun way to appreciate art and has various multipurpose venues for events
Find artsy landmarks and venues for meetings while letting the team explore diverse artworks at world-class galleries or unassuming alleys.
Check out M+, a museum of modern and contemporary visual culture for its interesting exhibitions. At the same time, M+ offers various multifunctional event spaces for events, including ones that provide iconic views of the Victoria Harbour.
For team building activities, there are various workshop options including art jamming, traditional Chinese painting workshops, pearl farming, and Chinese calligraphy. There are also opportunities to tour the internationally renowned arts events and festivals that fill the city’s events calendar year-round.
Wellness & Nature
Despite its built up nature, 75 per cent of Hong Kong is covered in green space — perfect for trekking or exploring nature
Beyond Hong Kong’s postcard-perfect skyline is green space that covers 75 per cent of the city’s land mass – making them ideal wellness spots for reinvigorating team spirit.
Give the team fun-filled bonding experiences through active adventures such as hiking along picturesque trails such as 1,200 steps up to Violet Hill, boating to the UNESCO Global Geopark or trying out Chinese martial arts.
Hong Kong’s idyllic outlying islands, such as Yim Tin Tsai and Cheung Chau, also boast hidden gems that vary from the standard itinerary.
To boost team-members’ well-being, eco-awareness, empathy and compassion, organise mindfulness workshops for them and include wholesome dining at farm-to-table restaurants, and visits to organic farms or temples.
Neighbourhoods
Hong Kong neighbourhoods are each filled with bustling activity and have their own unique charm. Credit: Calvin Sit
Experience the city’s authentic sights and sounds at characterful neighbourhoods.
Dive into Old Town Central to soak up Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West essence and discover hidden heritage sites and cultural gems, or explore a whole range of world-class art venues such as the new Hong Kong Palace Museum, Xiqu Centre, or Arts Pavilion in West Kowloon.
The island of Lantau is another option for team bonding, with iconic venues and attractions to adrenaline-fuelled beach adventures, running challenges, ice skating and much more.
Nightlife & Parties
The fun doesn’t stop with the variety of bars, including award-winning establishments, and nightlife hot spots
During the day, hold memorable parties at iconic venues such as the Water World Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland or Happy Valley Racecourse.
When dusk falls, it is time to hit the streets and discover the city’s award-winning bars with unique concepts such as the first zero waste bar Penicillin, COA or The Iron Fairies, and vibrant nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong.
Keep track of colourful festivals to enrich incentive programmes with priceless moments, and uncover more experiences after dark beyond bars and parties.
Hong Kong Signatures
Not to be missed are classic Hong Kong experiences, from world-famous attractions to unforgettable adventures. Whether it is a cruise of Victoria Harbour, a night of horse-racing excitement, shopping along the alleyways of colourful street markets, or a ride up to the Peak to capture panoramic views, the options for a quintessential Hong Kong experience are endless.
An essential and organic planning tool
Start planning today with the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, which will be continuously updated with new ideas to ensure it remains a relevant and indispensable planning tool for industry professionals and travellers.
74 per cent of respondents are optimistic about the health of the M&E industry
The meetings and events industry is projected to flourish in 2025, with meeting professionals expressing confidence in its future and noting planned increases in meeting budgets, as revealed in the 14th Annual Global Meetings and Events Forecast by Amex GBT Meetings & Events.
The 2025 forecast points to solid growth ahead, with increasing budgets and a positive outlook from professionals, despite challenges like rising costs, and ongoing staffing shortages. In fact, 66% expect their budgets to grow, intending to allocate these funds towards a variety of business priorities.
74 per cent of respondents are optimistic about the health of the M&E industry
The forecast surveyed more than 500 meetings and events professionals worldwide, supplemented by insights from more than a dozen industry leaders. While 74% of professionals remain optimistic about the industry’s health, this marks a tempering of the high expectations seen in 2024, signalling a return to more balanced outlooks.
Meeting professionals continue to anticipate that internal meetings will be the most frequent meeting type in 2025 – as they had predicted for 2024. In the forecast, meeting professionals expect that nearly half of internal meetings will be held at a hotel, 34% will be in a different city, and 35% will include social activities for networking.
Additional highlights from the 2025 forecast include two-thirds of respondents see an increase in overall meeting spend; businesses are approaching M&E in 2025 strategically and with rich, personalised experiences in mind to make the most out of the time in-person; and location availability is the top challenge for planning a meeting in 2025.
Regionally in Asia Pacific, 70% expect their meeting spend to increase in 2025, and 61% say sustainability is very important to them.
Gerardo Tejado, senior vice president, professional services, Amex GBT, said: “Our forecast highlights a strong and optimistic outlook for the meetings and events industry. In-person meetings continue to dominate with prioritisation of attendee engagement, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology like AI to enhance the experience. As sustainability goals advance and AI becomes more integrated, the industry is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation.”
Technology as a key driver
Technology is reshaping the meetings and events industry, serving as a crucial tool for personalisation. From automation to generative AI, these technologies boost efficiency, creativity, and engagement. Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront, with meeting planners prioritising its use in 2025.
The forecast shows that professionals are ready to explore AI’s potential across various areas – particularly to improve the attendee experience. The main tech focus for meeting planners is AI (50%), and mobile apps continue to be an expectation at events. AI is being or will be used for tasks like attendee matchmaking (42%), content creation (41%), theme development (40%), and tracking attendee engagement (39%).
Sustainability goals and practices continue to rise
Sustainability remains a crucial element in well-developed meeting programmes. Over half (54%) of meeting professionals consider it highly important in their 2025 planning, with 47% having established clear sustainability goals and action plans and also focusing on DE&I practices, waste management, and eco-friendly food and beverage options. A significant majority (86%) of meeting professionals have already implemented DE&I best practices or plan to do so.
Engagement is essential
Attendee engagement plays a vital role in the success of any meeting or event, shaping the overall experience and leaving a lasting impact. Meeting professionals have highlighted several key elements that contribute to a memorable experience, with the top three being content (38%), venue (27%), and destination (25%). When surveyed about budget increases, the top priority for professionals was to invest in “improving the onsite experience”.
Future of business travel to beshaped by demographic shifts and global volatility by 2040
A confluence of technological breakthroughs, heightened sustainability concerns, and demographic changes is set to revolutionise the business travel landscape, according to a special supplement titled 2040: Baseline, Boom, or Bust released by CWT and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
The supplement examines three distinct scenarios that could define the future of business travel.
The future of business travel to be shaped by demographic shifts and global volatility by 2040
In the Base Case scenario, business travel is projected to stabilise with a moderate growth rate, reaching just over one billion passengers by 2040. This growth is driven by a balanced approach to sustainability and technology, with companies adopting eco-friendly practices and advanced travel management tools. Companies will prioritise essential travel, leveraging virtual meeting technologies to enhance efficiency. The percentage of the workforce involved in business travel is expected to rise to nearly 18 per cent, reflecting a steady but measured increase.
Under the Boom scenario, business travel experiences robust growth, with the number of global business travellers exceeding 1.2 billion passengers by 2040. This surge is fuelled by increased travel to emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Asia, which are projected to account for a substantial portion of the growth. The widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and advancements in green technology contribute to this scenario. Nearly 22 per cent of the global workforce is involved in business travel, driven by heightened global collaboration and the integration of AI, VR, and automation in travel processes.
In the Bust scenario, business travel growth slows significantly, with the number of business travellers reaching around 800 million by 2040. This slowdown is attributed to stringent sustainability regulations, slow adoption of eco-friendly practices, and the rise of remote and flexible work arrangements. Companies will increasingly rely on virtual interactions and hybrid events, focusing on essential trips only.
Geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty further contribute to the reduction in travel, with stricter visa regulations and carbon taxes playing a role in the diminished travel demand.
The supplement also provides actionable recommendations for businesses, including investing in data analytics, embracing technological innovation, building strategic partnerships, and focusing on employee well-being to navigate the future of business travel effectively.
“The future of business travel is at a critical juncture, driven by technological advancements, sustainability mandates, and evolving global dynamics,” said Nick Vournakis, executive vice president and chief customer officer at CWT. “Our report emphasises the need for businesses to be adaptable and proactive in their travel strategies. Whether navigating a boom in global travel or adapting to a slowdown, businesses that proactively integrate technology, prioritise sustainability, and stay agile will be best positioned to thrive in this shifting landscape.”
Plans to redevelop the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) have taken a significant step forward, with the Western Australian government announcing the start of the Project Definition Phase (PDP) for the proposal.
The WA government has allocated A$16.6 million (US$11.1 million) to fund the PDP, which will focus on scoping and costing the project before final agreements are made. This announcement was made by WA premier Roger Cook at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Perth earlier this month.
An artist rendering of the expanded PCEC
The proposal outlines plans for significant upgrades to the existing convention centre, including expanded capacity to attract large-scale business events. It also envisions integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and delivering a public realm featuring new waterfront facilities, an outdoor theatre, and improved connectivity with the Swan River.
As the plan stands, PCEC will retain its 16,500m2 of column-free exhibition space, while its Riverside Theatre will be upgraded and expanded from 2,500 to 3,500 seats.
A new, four-storey wing will house meeting rooms, ballrooms, a 1,000-seat plenary and a flexible multi-use hall measuring 3,800m2, taking the entire venue to 24,000m2.
There is also scope for the construction of residential apartments, commercial spaces, and a premium hotel with its own meeting facilities, to enable the running of multiple events simultaneously with PCEC.
Built in 2004, PCEC is the oldest convention centre in Australia that has not undergone a major redevelopment. The centre is operated under a joint venture between Wyllie Group and Brookfield Properties, who hold the lease until 2039.
Melissa Karlson, managing director at Wyllie Group, said construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with the centre expected to be fully operational by late 2028. Major events of more than 5,000 delegates are already in sight.
A new defining feature of the project will be its incorporation of First Nations narratives. Karlson said that the original development of the PCEC did not include indigenous consultation, something the current redevelopment seeks to rectify. “We have the opportunity now to do it properly,” she told TTGmice on the sidelines of the summit.
This will include the indigenous Australian “campfire” concept, representing the gathering and exchange of ideas. “We want the local Aboriginal community to feel welcome here. This is not just a responsibility – it’s an opportunity to create something that feels authentically West Australian.”
Karlson also referenced a Tourism Australia survey that found 100 per cent of conference delegates arrived wanting to see some part of WA’s culture but 83 per cent left without feeling they’d experienced it.
“We need to make sure that visiting delegates get an authentically West Australian experience, even if they don’t leave the precinct. They need to leave wanting to bring their family back to get even more of an immersion,” she said.
Ascott’s lyf brand unveiled yesterday afternoon the start of a travelling art showcase that reflects its ambitions to venture into new destinations and commitment to offering innovative experiences for guests. The showcase was presented at lyf Funan Singapore, the brand’s first property that opened in 2019.
The event was also a celebration of the brand’s fifth year in the business.
Ascott leadership with Jahan Loh, creator of The Door of Cosmic Dreams (far right)
The art installation, titled The Door of Cosmic Dreams, is created by Singaporean contemporary artist, Jahan Loh, who is recognised as one of Asia’s most successful street artists credited with introducing street art to galleries in both Singapore and China.
Drawing inspiration from a quote by French author and playwright Guy de Maupassant emphasising the mysterious and boundless possibilities that lie beyond the familiar, The Door of Cosmic Dreams serves as a metaphor for a gateway to different worlds, depicting how travel, much like dreams, acts as a passage from the real world into a realm that has yet to be discovered.
The Door of Cosmic Dreams is open free to the public from October 15 to 26, 2024.
After Singapore, it will journey to lyf properties around the world, including Tokyo, Paris and Penang, where the showcase may be expanded to include other local artists, shared Glenn Koh, lyf partner, brand.
Serena Lim, chief growth officer, Ascott, told TTG Asia that the travelling showcase is a first-of-its-kind by a hospitality brand, and is a creative way for the lyf team to communicate its unique brand story around the world.
Addressing guests at the launch party, Lim said the lyf brand is advancing from its original concept as a co-living space to one that is defined as “experience-led social living”.
“We like to do things differently, stay ahead of the game, and break boundaries,” she remarked.
Adeline Phua, managing lyf partner and vice president, business development, Ascott, explained the new concept: “lyf offers a distinctive accommodation experience designed for a social generation eager to connect within a community. By transcending traditional hospitality concepts, lyf has created a vibrant stay-work-play environment that fosters a new way of social living.”
There are now 34 lyf properties in 24 cities across Australia, East Asia, Europe and South-east Asia, boasting over 6,200 units in operation and under development.
“This year, we will open five lyf properties with about 900 units in total, and mark the debut of the brand in three cities Cebu, Frankfurt and Penang. From 2025 to 2028, lyf will begin operations in more destinations – from resort locations like Bali and Danang to cities such as London, Glasgow, Manchester, Sydney, Paris and Ho Chi Minh City,” shared Lim.
SJM Resorts presenting its product to travel agents and event planners at InterContinental Singapore
SJM Resorts’ The Legend of Macau product seminar series made its latest stop in Singapore, presenting its range of hotels and attractions to more than 100 travel agents, event planners and corporate end-users.
The lunch presentation at InterContinental Singapore on October 7 engaged guests through stunning slides, narrative and quizzes. New products, such as two new venues that will be opening at the flagship Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (GLP) in 2025, were also revealed.
SJM Resorts presenting its product to travel agents and event planners at InterContinental Singapore
SJM delegation leader Karen Lee, assistant vice president – destination marketing, said that SJM is expanding its international outreach to businesses and corporate travellers to increase Macau’s appeal as a destination for international business events.
This includes hosting product seminars and participating in tradeshows led by the Macao Government Tourism Office, and trade-specific events under the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
SJM forges closer partnerships with local trade professionals through these events, while showcasing its versatile venues and business events packages at attractive introductory rates.
The company offers business event organisers varied venue options across its locations, such as GLP in Cotai and Grand Lisboa Macau on the peninsula, other hotels like Hotel Lisboa, Hotel Sintra, Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, and the beachfront Grand Coloane Resort. Activities suitable for corporates include teambuilding, yoga classes, unique brand themes, and welcome gifts for special incentive groups.
If requested, SJM’s transportation crew provide services within Macau and from/to Hong Kong to facilitate travel for international delegates.
The Sarawak Craft Council will host the inaugural BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference (BCG2024) in November, aiming to elevate Sarawak’s craft industry on the global stage and boost the region’s creative economy.
Scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 1, BCG2024 is expected to attract around 300 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of local and international crafts, alongside 50,000 visitors and 300 conference delegates.
Snowdan Lawan at the event briefing
Suriya Charles Buas, manager of the Sarawak Craft Council, shared at the event briefing that embassy representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Latin America, Iran, and Zambia have also expressed their desire to participate and showcase their traditional crafts.
The five-day event will feature global pavilions at the Kuching Waterfront, showcasing crafts, food, beverages, and arts. Visitors can also participate in craft workshops at the historic Sarawak Steamship Building.
A key highlight of the event is an attempt to set a new Malaysia Book of Records milestone by gathering over 1,000 beadmakers to create beaded crafts on December 1.
Gracie Geikie, event curator, also revealed the introduction of the MasterCraft Challenge, a competition designed to discover Sarawak’s most talented crafters. While the challenge is exclusive to Sarawakians, the record-setting bead making event is open to the public.
Snowdan Lawan, deputy minister for creative industry and performing arts, expressed optimism about BCG2024’s potential to grow, drawing comparisons to the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board.
This homegrown event is managed by Place Borneo and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will host the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Sentosa, Singapore from November 13 to 16, providing a connection and learning platform for global and local tourism professionals who are committed to promoting and advancing sustainable travel and tourism.
The conference will be held at the Equarius Hotel, which is certified against the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels. The hotel is part of Resorts World Sentosa, the first tourism destination in the world to be certified against both the GSTC Destination Criteria and GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels in 2021. Additionally, both Sentosa and Singapore are also certified as sustainable destinations, further enhancing the credentials of the event’s setting.
GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference will be held at Resorts World Sentosa, the first tourism destination in the world to be certified against both the GSTC Destination Criteria and GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels in 2021
The event will have four core themes: Driving Sustainable Urban Tourism; Sustainable Hospitality; Integrating Sustainability across the Value Chain; and Preserving Culture, Heritage and Communities.
Through these themes, the conference aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to drive progress in their sustainability journey.
Participants can expect pre-conference training, interactive panels, workshops, meetings, networking opportunities as well as tailored post-conference tours across two days.
There are also opportunities to explore Sentosa’s sustainability initiatives through curated tours. According to Lee Shi Ruh, president, Resorts World Sentosa, there would be a guided tour that takes delegates behind the scenes of the integrated resort, highlighting innovations such as its district cooling plant and cloud-based building management system.
Ong Huey Hong, chief sustainability officer, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Hosting the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference highlights Singapore’s appeal as a global-Asia node for quality events and underscores our commitment to sustainable tourism. Guided by the Singapore Green Plan, our sustainable tourism strategy aims to build a city in nature, where large experiences come with small footprints. We are committed to supporting the tourism industry in their sustainability journey, including pushing boundaries in innovation by leveraging technology, and enhancing the green skills of our workforce such as in certification and reporting, and carbon management. This conference will serve as a crucial platform for global leaders to convene, exchange insights, and collaboratively forge new partnerships in sustainable tourism, inspiring meaningful impact worldwide.”
Lee Cheh Hsien, assistant chief executive, corporate and sustainability, Sentosa Development Corporation, said: “Being the first destination in Asia to be certified to GSTC’s destination standards, we are honoured to host GSTC’s first global conference in South-east Asia and look forward to the learnings and exchanges among global experts and participants. We welcome them to immerse themselves in Sentosa’s lush nature and heritage sites and experience first-hand the sustainability initiatives championed by the businesses across our island ecosystem.”
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
