speaker-photo

Figen Ayan

Founder of Ayan Consulting, Founder of Ayan Consulting | European Commission Expert
11:20 – 11:50

Thursday Oct 29 – Salle Colbert Paris 7

Blue Economy: The New Strategic Frontier

The Ocean economy: From paradise to pressure Tourism, sovereignty, climate stress and the future of coastal value

The oceans are no longer simply a resource nor a neutral space. They are becoming a territory of influence, competition and resilience. They are a strategic frontier shaped by climate change, resource competition, maritime sovereignty and economic transformation.

As coastal destinations, islands and tourism-dependent economies face increasing pressure, how can the Blue Economy evolve from a model of extraction to one of resilience, regeneration and long-term value creation?

As climate stress, maritime pressures and shifting geopolitical dynamics reshape coastal economies, how can tourism contribute to a Blue Economy that creates value while protecting the ecosystems on which it depends?

Oceans Roundtable: Blue Economy in Action Protecting ecosystems, strengthening destinations and creating long-term value

  • Figen Ayan, Founder, Ayan Consulting
  • Clency Roméo, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sunlife
  • David Rodès Miracle, Co-founder at Blue Heart Energy / CDO at Ocean Ecostructures

16:10 - 16:40

Thursday Oct 29 – Salle Colbert Paris 7

MOBILITY / Mobility at Sea: From Controversy to Transformation

Building the future of maritime tourism
Few industries are as closely watched or as fast-moving. Fuels, shipbuilding, port infrastructure and destination partnerships are all being redesigned at once, and under public scrutiny.
Close to 40% of the vessels delivered by 2030 will be luxury or expedition ships: smaller, quieter, and reshaping what destinations can expect from the sector.
Where is real progress being made across the value chain? And how do operators, ports and coastal communities turn pressure into lasting shared value?

Moderator: Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to Secretary General UN TOURISM ANITA MENDIRATTA & Associates

  • Figen Ayan, Founder, Ayan Consulting
  • Martyn Griffiths, Director Government Affairs, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
  • Wassim Daoud, Head of CSR and sustainability, Ponant

9:20 - 10:15

Friday Oct 31

Luxury Experiences Leading Sustainability Efforts

The overarching message across airlines, cruises, tour operators, ground transport, DMCs, and DMOs is that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, they are increasingly complementary. From 2024 onwards, we see global travel industry leaders integrating carbon neutrality, eco-friendly design, responsible tourism practices, regenerative efforts, and community engagement into high-end travel offerings. We will discuss how these initiatives by sector show a clear path: the luxury travel of tomorrow is defined by conscience and innovation. Travelers can expect not only the finest comforts and service, but also the peace of mind that their journey supports the well-being of destinations and communities. This alignment of luxury with sustainability is fast becoming the new normal, setting the stage for a more equitable and eco-conscious era of travel.

  • Alexandra Delf, Managing Director/EVP, MMGY Grifco [UK]
  • Wassim Daoud, Head of Sustainability, Ponant Cruises [France]
  • Caragh Curran, MD, Sustainable Tourism Consultants [UAE]
  • Figen Ayan, Founder, Ayan Consulting; EU Commission Expert; Ambassador, Seatrade; [Turkey]
  • Moderator: Rajan Datar, journalist and Host, BBC [UK]

15:15 – 15:55

Thursday Oct 30

The Rise of Sustainable Transport: rail, aviation, maritime

As climate imperatives reshape the global travel industry, the pressure to decarbonize transport is transforming how we move across the planet. This session explores the accelerating momentum behind sustainable mobility—from electric aviation and biofuels to rail revival, maritime innovation, and low-impact ground transport. Leaders in infrastructure, policy, and private enterprise will share how their sectors are responding to rising demand for greener travel and new consumer expectations. Discussions will address emissions targets, cross-border transport corridors, port and airport innovation, and the need for integrated systems that connect people and places efficiently—without compromising the environment. Discover how air, land, and sea transport are converging in a new era of climate-smart connectivity, and what it will take for destinations to future-proof their mobility systems while enhancing traveller experience.

  • Julia Sattel, Partner, Skies Fifty [Spain]
  • Sascha Gill, CEO, United Waterways [Switzerland]
  • Julia Mason, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, SNCF Connect & Tech [France]
  • Jane McFadzean, Senior Director, Global Sustainability, Trip.com Group [UK] 
Moderator: Figen Ayan, Founder, Ayan Consulting; EU Commission Expert; Ambassador, Seatrade; [Turkey]