AGENDA

2023

Tuesday, October 17

16:00

Press conferences

18:30 – 21:30

Welcome Reception

with local dignitaries – Master of Ceremonies – Peter Greenberg

Wednesday, October 18

9:30

Opening

This event is structured based on industry shifts towards the future.  As such there are 5 distinct shifts we are tracking: Climate, Environmental, Technical, Economic and Social.  Each session is indicated as a Plenary session and the shift focus.  Speakers will spotlight their particular entities’ actions in that direction and then the panels will discuss each other’s activities, pros and cons.  There are two plenaries per focus.

PLENARY – CLIMATE

“Shifting Towards the Future – Advancements in Sustainable Tourism, How is Climate Change Being Addressed?

10:20

PLENARY- ENVIRONMENT

Maritime Tourism

80% of the planet is water, makes for fantastic cruising and water sports but what are the major seafaring companies doing on their path to net zero?  What are the social implications? How is itinerary planning being handled with an eye towards sustainable operations?  How can advancements in artificial reefs help save maritime tourism? What are port developers doing shoreside?

11:20 – 12:15

PLENARY: TECHNOLOGY

Positive Developments with Whole of Industry Approach: Collaboration, Innovation and Technology

Collaboration is key to achieving SDGs and Net Zero goals but also in developing the climate for public private sector engagement and ensuring regenerative processes within the industry.  Leaders will discuss the future of their collective actions.

12:15 – 12:30

Break ☕️

12:30 – 13:30

PLENARY – ECONOMIC

Profitable Yet Sustainable Transportation: Flying Blues Skies? Cruising in Clean Waters?

The value of SAFs and the realities airlines are facing.  Airport and port developers or operators have their own challenges, what is each sector’s roadmap to net zero? How does this deliver shareholder value?

13:30 – 14:45

Lunch

14:45 – 15:45

PLENARY – SOCIAL

Focus on Business Travel Leading Change

Companies around the world are looking to the business travel sector to forget the sustainable path.  These organizations are stepping up, we will spotlight each organization’s efforts and then hear their collective discussion on the probability of success.

15:45 – 16:45

PLENARY – TECHNOLOGY

Communication, Technology and the Enablers of Education

The message and the tools to deliver it are critical.  With the rise in AI will communicating become better or is it fraught with inherent bias?  How do we educate businesses internally as well as the travelling public? Can we distinguish and polemicize mis or disinformation?

16:45 – 17:30

PLENARY – ENVIRONMENTAL

How Are Luxury and Convenience Putting Sustainability in the Spotlight?

Until technology catches up, we are forced to identify interim solutions to protect the environment from emissions with actions like offsetting and carbon capture but the real work is in reduction. What are major retailers doing to reduce emissions and train the marketplace?

17:30

End of Day 1

19:30

Gala reception & Dinner

Thursday, October 19

10:00 – 10:45

PLENARY – ECONOMIC

Where does the cost for sustainability come from?  Are profits sustainable?

With the margins tight in travel how are companies funding transformation or is government stepping in? Investors and financial institutions bring to bear regulatory requirements, where and how can profits be maintained? What are the costs to be considered?

10:45 – 11:30

PLENARY – CLIMATE

Adapting to Climatic Changes

DMOs from various countries will share how their societies are adjusting

11:30

Break ☕️

12:00 – 13:00

PLENARY – SOCIAL

The human impact and how is the travel industry workforce structured, developed, and reinvigorated?

The travel industry is exposed to human trafficking, issues of diversity, equality, and industry perception issues, not to mention the deficit of workers.  How is this being addressed and what each part of the industry does to improve?  PROJECT TEEM

13:00 – 14:30

Lunch

14:30  – 15:15

Conclusions and Stepping Forward

Speakers will recapitulate the key elements for stepping forward as an industry.  Where are the gaps and what actions are required.

15:15 – 15:45

Response Awards

  • Climate Response
  • Environmental Action
  • Technological Thrust
  • Economic Management
  • Social Impact

15:45 – 16:00

Workshop Ideation

AWFT participants will participate in an interactive session providing answers to questions raised.  AWFT will issue the results after the event as a thank you and a written recap of the conclusions.

16:30

End of Show