Global Leaders Unite in Sentosa for GSTC2024 to Champion Sustainable Tourism Across 55 Nations with Expert Workshops and Training Programs

Published on November 19, 2024

The GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Sentosa, Singapore, united global leaders to advance sustainable tourism through collaboration and innovation.

Held in Sentosa, Singapore, from November 13 to 16, 2024, the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference welcomed 500 delegates representing 55 countries, alongside hundreds of virtual participants who joined via live broadcast.

The conference centered on four major themes:

• Driving Sustainable Urban Tourism
• Sustainable Hospitality
• Integrating Sustainability Across the Value Chain
• Preserving Culture, Heritage, and Communities

These themes offered invaluable insights, practical skills, and inspirational case studies for attendees to advance their sustainability initiatives. Prominent speakers from the global tourism sector shared their expertise, fostering collaboration and sparking innovative ideas to create meaningful impacts on the environment and local communities.

Participants and Venue

The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, hoteliers, tour operators, academics, development agencies, NGOs, consultants, and more. It was hosted at Resorts World Sentosa, a globally certified sustainable destination under the GSTC Destination Criteria and Industry Criteria for Hotels. The Equarius Hotel, also GSTC-certified, served as the primary venue, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to sustainability.

Dynamic Agenda

The conference featured a robust lineup of activities:

• Pre-conference GSTC trainings tailored for professionals and auditors
• Panel discussions, workshops, and networking events
• Customizable conference tours and excursions

Workshops included consultations on the GSTC Industry Criteria and GSTC Food & Beverage Criteria. A total of 80 professionals from Singapore and abroad participated in training programs, addressing challenges and opportunities in sustainability using the GSTC Industry and Destination Criteria as frameworks.

Sustainable Training Initiatives

Four specialized GSTC training sessions were conducted:

1. Sustainable Tourism Course for Industry Professionals: Focused on the application of GSTC Criteria in the travel and tourism sector.
2. Accessible and Inclusive Travel Course: Highlighted strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in tourism.
3. GSTC Auditor Training: Covered auditing processes aligned with GSTC Industry Criteria.

These sessions equipped participants with tools to address contemporary sustainability challenges in the tourism industry.

Eco-Friendly Practices at the Conference

As with past GSTC conferences, the carbon footprint of the event and attendees’ travel was calculated and offset by Green Evolution. Additional sustainability measures demonstrated leadership in eco-conscious event planning:

• Minimized Paper and Plastic Use: Printing was reduced, with recyclable TESLIN badges and biodegradable bamboo lanyards replacing traditional materials. No single-use plastics were utilized.
• Recycling and Upcycling Initiatives: Used badges and lanyards were collected for recycling. Collaborating with Cloop, components like lobster clasps were repurposed into creative workshops, promoting circular fashion.
• Eco-Friendly Furnishings and Backdrops: Cardboard furniture and PVC-free banners were used, with all materials sent for recycling post-event.
• Digital Alternatives: Processes like registration, signage, and displays were digitized, minimizing the need for printed materials.

To encourage carbon offsetting, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) provided participants with an e-card for use in Singapore, linking responsible tourism with local economic support.

Inspiring Sustainable Tourism

The GSTC2024 conference not only exemplified best practices in sustainable event planning but also empowered attendees to implement eco-friendly strategies in their own initiatives. By integrating innovative solutions, the event underscored GSTC’s commitment to advancing sustainable tourism while inspiring participants to drive lasting change in the industry.