GSTC2024 Conference Program
The GSTC2024 Global Conference in Royal Djurdgården, Stockholm, Sweden, will take place during April 23rd to 26th. The Conference will address the following themes: (A) Environment – Climate and Smart Management; (B) Social – Welcoming and Inclusive; (C) Governance – Thriving and Innovative; (D) Credible Assurance.
The conference days are 24th and 25th April.
GSTC Training Courses will take place previous to the conference. Find out more information on the courses and schedules here.
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, 23rd April | ||
| Time | Activity | |
| 09:00 – 14:00 | Academic Symposium (registration required) | |
| 10:30 – 12:45 | Meeting with Accredited Certification Bodies for Industry (by invitation only) | |
| 14:00 – 15:15 | Meeting with Recognized Standard Owners for Hotels (by invitation only) | |
| 15:30 – 17:15 | GSTC Government & Destination Members Meeting (by invitation only) | |
| 18:30 | Welcome Reception at Stockholm City HallHosted by City of Stockholm | |
| 21:00 – 22:30 | HållBar Meetup at Hasselbacken (optional) | |
Wednesday, 24th April – Conference Day 1 | ||
| Time | Activity | |
| 8:00 – 9:15 | Registration and Refreshments | |
| 9:20 – 10:00 | Opening Ceremony
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| 10:00 – 10:45 | GSTC’s Global Mission and Current Activities Randy Durband – CEO, GSTC | |
| 10:45 – 11:30 | Refreshment Break and Networking | |
| 11:30 – 11:50 | Outlook Perspective Fredrik Reinfeldt Chairman of the board Visita | |
| 11:50 – 12:50 @ Cirkus (plenary) | Tourism Supporting Biodiversity through Nature Positive and Rewilding Dive into practical insights on how tourism can actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration. Discover success stories where the travel industry has played a pivotal role in reviving natural landscapes and learn how responsible tourism practices can empower local communities. Moderator: Luigi Cabrini – Chairman, GSTC
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| 12:50 – 13:00 | Presentation Camilla Zedendahl – CEO, Royal Djurgården | |
| 13:00 – 14:15 | Lunch and Networking | |
| 14:15 – 15:15 @ Cirkus | Industry Stakeholder Engagement at a Destination Level Destination stewardship requires good public policy and management together with engagement of private sector stakeholders. Criterion A4 of the GSTC Destination Criteria and its Performance Indicators underscores that DMO’s must take an active role in engaging with the private sector. This is needed to encourage more sustainable forms of services and experiences. In this session attendees will learn about how fostering collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders can drive positive change within a destination. Our panelists will share examples of successful stakeholder engagement that contributes to sustainable tourism. Moderator: CB Ramkumar – Vice Chair, GSTC
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| 14:15 – 15:15 @ Hazelius, Hasselbacken | EU Green Claims Directive and related Sustainability Regulations This panel session is designed to dissect the complexities of the EU Green Claims Directive and other related sustainability regulations that are setting new benchmarks for environmental claims in the marketplace. These regulations aim to prevent greenwashing and require businesses to substantiate their environmental claims with clear and reliable information. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate and excel in a regulatory landscape that demands authenticity and environmental accountability.
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| 14:15 – 15:15 @ Tiara, Hasselbacken | Bleisure – Blending Leisure and Business Travel In this panel, we will explore how modern travel trends are evolving to combine work and leisure in innovative ways. We will also discuss the growing demand for flexible travel arrangements that accommodate both business objectives and personal enjoyment. Additionally, we will look into the challenges and opportunities this trend presents to the travel industry.
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| 15:15 – 16:00 | Refreshment Break and Networking | |
| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Cirkus | Sustainability in Attractions As the GSTC is in the process of developing an Attraction Criteria, this session includes experts who will shed light on making attractions more sustainable without the complexity. Learn from real-world examples as our panelists from renowned attractions share insights on adopting sustainable practices. From straightforward eco-friendly designs to community-focused strategies, this session will demystify the basics of sustainable transformations in attractions. Moderator: Matthias Beyer – CEO, Mascontour; GSTC Board Member
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| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Tiara, Hasselbacken | Food Waste Reduction With an estimated one-third of all food produced wasted annually, food waste management is not just about cutting costs; it’s a critical aspect of sustainability. This session explores actionable strategies for minimizing food wastage in hospitality, from several angles: zero-waste and plant-based meals, hotel kitchens, turning surplus food into quality meals, and regional initiatives. Moderator: Koko Tang – Founder, Colorful Earth; GSTC Board Member [presentation]
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| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Hazelius, Hasselbacken | NTOs Driving Hotel Sustainability Certification National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) play a pivotal role in driving hotels to achieve sustainability certification. Join us to uncover how NTOs collaborate with hotels to implement sustainable practices, achieve certification, and enhance destination-wide sustainability efforts. In this session we will learn from the Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Program, developed by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) with guidance from the GSTC, which is the first mandatory national program for accommodations based on the GSTC Criteria and GSTC Assurance program. We will also look into the Maltese national program for sustainable hotels which was re-launched in December 2023 by Malta Tourism Authority with support from the GSTC. Moderator: Randy Durband – CEO, GSTC
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| 17:00 – 17:15 | Review logistics by moderators | |
| 17:15 | End of GSTC2024 Sweden First Conference Day | |
| 18:00 – 21:00 | Dinner (not included) HållBar Meetup at Hasselbacken (optional) A space to network and socialize for GSTC2024 participants | |
Thursday, 25th April – Conference Day 2 | ||
| Time | Activity | |
| 7:30 – 8:30 | Walk n Buzz from Cirkus / Hasselbacken to Museum park through SkansenJoin us in front of Skansen (next to Hasselbacken) for a walk to the Museums | |
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Registration and Refreshments | |
| 9:35 – 10:50 @ Museum of Technology – Trähallen | Data-based Innovation in Tourism In our panel discussion on Innovation in Tourism, our expert speakers will focus on data-based solutions and applications, sharing useful examples of innovation within the tourism industry. Discover how innovative approaches are reshaping the landscape of sustainable tourism. From technological advancements to creative solutions, this session aims to inspire fresh ideas and highlight the transformative power of innovation in making tourism more sustainable. Moderator: Jason Lin – Co-founder & CEO, Hotelzero
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| 9:35 – 10:50 @ Museum of Technology – Eventrummet | Attraction Criteria workshop With growing interest and requests, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council is now developing the GSTC Attraction Criteria. Conference participants are welcome to take part in this consultation activity as part of the development process and help shape the GSTC Attraction Criteria.
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| 9:35 – 10:50 @ Museum of Ethnography | Accessibility and Inclusion in Tourism Globally, it is estimated that there are over 1 billion persons with disabilities, as well as more than 2 billion people, such as spouses, children and caregivers of persons with disabilities, representing almost a third of the world’s population, are directly affected by disability. Accessibility is a central element of any responsible and sustainable development policy. The concept “Tourism for All” is referred to in the GSTC Criteria (GSTC Industry Criteria‘s criterion A7.4; GSTC Destination Criteria‘s criterion B8). In addition, Inclusive tourism caters to people with different needs by addressing them from various perspectives, and by providing design and service solutions that aim to cover as many different groups as possible. Addressing accessibility and inclusivity, tourism businesses and destinations can tap into a significant market segment, expand their customer base, and increase their revenue. Moreover, it contributes to building a more diverse and tolerant society, where everyone has the freedom to explore and participate in travel experiences without limitations. Panelists will share insights and best practices in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in tourism and offer strategies for advancing these objectives. Moderator: Roni Weiss – Executive Director, Travel Unity [presentation]
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| 9:35 – 10:50 @ Maritime Museum | Destination Stewardship and Guest Experience Join us as we delve into the critical role of destination stewardship in shaping the guest experience. This panel focuses on exploring different perspectives and innovative strategies for managing and promoting destinations in ways that enrich visitor engagement and ensure long-term sustainability. We will also discuss how effective destination management can transform the tourist experience, creating a balance between visitor satisfaction and community well-being. Moderator: Rachel McCaffery – Sustainability Lead, VisitEngland; Chair, GSTC’s Destination Stewardship Working Group
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| 10:50 – 11:30 | Refreshment Break and Networking | |
| 11:30 – 12:30 @ Museum of Technology – Trähallen | Green Mobility In this session, we will learn about the evolving landscape where green transportation meets the desires of modern travelers. Discover how innovative mobility solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also align with the shifting preferences of conscientious travelers. The session will provide insights into the future of green mobility and how to seamlessly integrate it into the travel experience, fostering a more responsible and environmentally conscious industry Moderator: Holger Sigmund – Co-Creator, Tourism Impact
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| 11:30 – 12:30 @ Museum of Technology – Eventrummet | Attraction Criteria workshop With growing interest and requests, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council is now developing the GSTC Attraction Criteria. Conference participants are welcome to take part in this consultation activity as part of the development process and help shape the GSTC Attraction Criteria.
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| 11:30 – 12:30 @ Museum of Ethnography | Challenges and Opportunities for SME Certification Small tour operators and accommodations including hotels, resorts, and hostels, are an important part of the tourism industry. Some cater to budget-conscious travelers and some to high-end markets where both are seeking unique and authentic experiences. While small enterprises may have smaller footprint than larger enterprises, they still have an impact on the environment and local communities. In this session, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities of certification of small tourism enterprises, and how they can contribute to the overall sustainability of destinations. Moderator: Maria Liontaki, GSTC Accreditation Manager
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| 11:30 – 12:30 @ | Sustainability Nordic Programs Utilizing the GSTC Framework In a handbook by the European Travel Commission, the importance of a national approach towards planning, developing and implementing sustainability in tourism through certification was emphasized. The handbook specifically recommends the GSTC framework. In this session, we will explore the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme which provides companies and destinations with a toolkit for developing sustainable tourism, to more systematically adopt sustainable measures, as well as Norway’s Sustainable Destination program, a tool for the Norwegian tourism industry who wish to prioritize sustainable development. Discover how these programs are shaping the sustainable tourism landscape in the Nordic region, offering practical insights for broader implementation.
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| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch and Networking (at each museum’s restaurant) | |
| 14:00 – 15:15 @ Museum of Technology – Trähallen | Sustainability Measurement & Evaluation Measurement and evaluation is a crucial part of sustainability in tourism and is often mentioned in the suggested performance indicators of the GSTC Criteria. Join industry leaders and experts as we navigate the complex landscape of sustainability measurement and evaluation, learning from a comprehensive discussion that includes stats, trends, and useful examples. This session will provide insights into effective evaluation techniques that drive continual improvement in sustainability practices, ensuring a responsible and measurable approach to tourism. Moderator: Dr. Willy Legrand – Professor, IU International University of Applied Sciences
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| 14:00 – 15:15 @ Museum of Technology – Eventrummet | Communication Session – Talking About Sustainability without Talking About Sustainability Discover how to approach sustainability in a way that resonates rather than intimidates, by weaving it into your story that aligns with your audience’s values and goals. In this communication session, we will explore the intricacies of traveler needs and how to identify and engage with different target groups effectively. Plus, get insights on nudging techniques to create awareness and gently steer customers towards making more sustainable choices. Let’s move from compliance to commitment and from fear to inspiration. It’s time to lead the conversation on sustainability with confidence and positivity. Moderator: Estefanía del Azar, Communications Manager, GSTC
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| 14:00 – 15:15 @ Museum of Ethnography | Sustainable MICE As international travel is returning so does the demand for large conferences as well as business retreats and small meetings. The MICE sector is part of the tourism industry and therefore can and should be part of the journey towards more sustainable practices. This session will discuss how to advance and apply sustainability in the MICE sector. Moderator: Peter Reelfs – Sustainability Advisor and Lecturer
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| 14:00 – 15:15 @ Maritime Museum | Community Engagement & Residents’ Quality of Life Without holistic management that includes citizen participation, difficulties can easily arise, including overtourism, neighborhood disruption, cultural degradation, and various environmental problems. By contrast, well-managed tourism can enrich communities, improve public education, and provide the means to sustain natural habitats and elements of cultural heritage, from music and theater to architecture and cuisine. The relationship between tourism and a destination is complex. It requires a collaborative approach. Our experts, hailing from various sections in the tourism industry, will share real-world cases on how quality engagement with local residents can be a game-changer, creating a positive impact on both the community and the overall travel experience. This crucial aspect is an inalienable part of the stewardship of the destination. Moderator: Dr. Kelly Bricker – Director, Center for Sustainable Tourism, Arizona State University; GSTC Vice-Chair [presentation]
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| 15:15 – 16:00 | Refreshment Break and Networking | |
| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Museum of Technology – Trähallen | Attracting longer stays at Destinations Encouraging longer stays and off-season visits enables destinations to tap into “slow-travel” customers that participate in activities beyond the usual “things to do” list. This helps diversify and disperse benefits from visitors and also mitigates issues of over-tourism. Experts from the field will share their insights on how destinations can optimize their appeal to encourage longer and more sustainable visits. From unique experiences to community involvement, this session aims to uncover practical approaches for extending the duration of stays while maintaining a focus on sustainability. Moderator: Prof. Urs Wagenseil – Professor and Co-director, Tourism Competence Centre, Institute of Tourism, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
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| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Museum of Technology – Eventrummet | Sustainable Marketing Session Workshop Discover the secrets to making sustainability irresistible to your travellers and turning it into a powerful force. Join this workshop and discover (1) how to connect your sustainable vision with your business communication, (2) what to share about your sustainable practices with customers and (3) where and how to include sustainability in your marketing efforts. This workshop allows participants to communicate sustainability in a genuine and transparent way that engages with their travellers.
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| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Museum of Ethnography | Workshop – Using the new GSTC MICE Criteria The GSTC Criteria operate as the universal foundation for sustainability standards in travel and tourism. It has been meticulously established through a comprehensive global effort to introduce a universally understood and adopted language around sustainability within the tourism industry. The new GSTC MICE Criteria (covering Venues, Event Organizers, and Events/Exhibitions) will be published in March. This workshop will allow participants to review the new set of criteria, and discuss ways of implementing different sections of the GSTC MICE Criteria. Facilitator: Peter Reelfs – Sustainability Advisor and Lecturer [presentation] | |
| 16:00 – 17:00 @ Maritime Museum | Cultural Sustainability in Museums and Cultural Organisations Museums play an important role in cultural preservation and education. As we gather to explore the connection of culture and sustainable operation, this session will delve into strategies for making museums more sustainable. Speakers in this session will discuss how museums can become leaders in promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship, ensuring a balance between preserving our cultural heritage and safeguarding the planet for future generations. Moderator: Ayako Ezaki – Online Training Manager, GSTC
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| 17:00 – 17:15 | End of day logistics | |
| 19:00 – 22:00 | Farewell dinner at Vasa Museum Includes:
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| 22:00 – 23:30 | HållBar Meetup at Hasselbacken (optional) A space to network and socialize for GSTC2024 participants | |
Friday, 26th April: Post-conference tour | ||
| 10:00 – 16:00 (times vary depending on the tour) | Complimentary Guided Tour to choose from:
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