speaker-photo

Wassim Daoud

Head of CSR and sustainability at Ponant Cruise Company
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: Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News

  • 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]