The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is set to host its GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Singapore, marking a significant event for the global tourism industry. From November 13 to 16, 2024, Sentosa will serve as the venue for this high-profile gathering, aimed at connecting global and local tourism professionals committed to advancing sustainable travel and tourism.
The conference will take place at the Equarius Hotel, a property certified against the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels. Equarius Hotel is part of Resorts World Sentosa, a major destination that, in 2021, became the first in the world to be certified against both the GSTC Destination Criteria and GSTC Industry Criteria for hotels. Adding to the event’s significance, both Sentosa and Singapore have earned certification as sustainable destinations, making them ideal hosts for this prestigious global conference.
Conference Themes and Focus
The GSTC2024 conference will address four core themes that reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism:
- Driving Sustainable Urban Tourism
- Sustainable Hospitality
- Integrating Sustainability Across the Value Chain
- Preserving Culture, Heritage, and Communities
These key themes will guide discussions aimed at equipping participants with the practical tools and knowledge necessary to advance sustainability in their respective fields.
Interactive Sessions and Learning Opportunities
The event promises an array of interactive activities designed to foster learning and collaboration. Attendees can look forward to pre-conference training sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events. The two-day program also includes tailored post-conference tours that will highlight Singapore’s sustainable tourism initiatives.
Delegates will have the chance to explore Sentosa’s sustainability practices through specially curated tours, including a guided exploration of Resorts World Sentosa’s innovative projects. Lee Shi Ruh, president of Resorts World Sentosa, shared that participants will be taken behind the scenes to observe cutting-edge innovations such as the district cooling plant and the cloud-based building management system, which are part of Sentosa’s sustainability efforts.
Singapore’s Role in Global Sustainable Tourism
Hosting the GSTC conference reaffirms Singapore’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. Ong Huey Hong, chief sustainability officer at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), emphasized Singapore’s vision of becoming a “city in nature” where large-scale experiences are delivered with minimal environmental impact. “This conference highlights Singapore’s role as a global-Asia hub for high-quality events and underlines our dedication to sustainable tourism,” Ong said. Guided by the Singapore Green Plan, the country aims to support the tourism industry through innovative technologies and green workforce development, such as certification in carbon management and sustainability reporting.
Ong added that the conference will provide a critical platform for global leaders in sustainable tourism to exchange insights, forge new partnerships, and inspire meaningful progress across the sector.
Sentosa’s Leadership in Sustainability
As the first destination in Asia to be certified to the GSTC destination standards, Sentosa plays a leading role in promoting sustainable practices across the region. Lee Cheh Hsien, assistant chief executive for corporate and sustainability at Sentosa Development Corporation, expressed the organization’s excitement about hosting GSTC’s first global conference in Southeast Asia. “We are honored to welcome global experts and participants to experience Sentosa’s lush natural environment and rich heritage sites, all while showcasing the sustainability initiatives driven by our island’s ecosystem of businesses,” said Lee.
Sentosa’s efforts align with broader regional goals, as Singapore continues to position itself as a key player in sustainable tourism by integrating eco-friendly practices across its tourism offerings.
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