Some of the world’s leading responsible tourism experts gave an insight in to how ‘going green’ can directly help improve the bottom line. This unique international conference gave access to specialists who will help using responsible tourism as a major marketing, sales and PR tool. Delegates listened to case histories and world-class advice about how it can be successfully introduced - by the people who know best.
Definitely something to consider… particularly in these difficult economic times.
Responsible tourism can transform a travel company – but only if there is real commitment. It can:
- Boost revenue growth
- Save overhead costs
- Motivate and inspire staff
- Secure market advantage
- Enhance brand value
- Improve customer service
What did the conference give?
- New and fresh business ideas that could transform your business
- Opportunities to bolster profit
- Brilliant advice for some of the world’s most respected responsible tourism experts.
The conference was chaired by Prof. Harold Goodwin, Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK who works with governments, communities and the international industry worldwide.
The conference was welcomed by Fiona Jeffery, Chairman World Travel Market, international responsible tourism pioneer for the past 15 years.
Speakers included:
Andy Cooper, Director of Government and External Affairs, Thomas Cook will talk about the contribution which Responsible Tourism makes to the maintenance of brand value, developing investor relations and securing investment, and the carbon reduction agenda.
Catherine Mack, National Journalist on responsible tourism will tell you how a reputation for being sustainable adds value to your brand, as well as attracting growing media interest. She is a regular columnist for the Irish Times and writes for the UK’s The Observer and Guardian newspaper.
Emma Stratton, co-owner of Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall, will talk about how she has built a formidable brand reputation on the strength of the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Among the hotel’s many awards are South West Tourism’s Silver Sustainable Tourism 2008 and Cornwall Tourist Board’s Gold Sustainable Hotel of the Year 2008.
George Hickton, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand, will outline how the role of sustainable tourism boosted the highly respected and acclaimed ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ marketing strategy.
Justin Francis, Managing Director and co-founder of responsibletravel.com will show you how his radical approach has proved that it is possible to be a profitable business at the same time as being an ethical business.
Tim Williamson, Customer Director, TUI Travel UK & Ireland and chairman of the Federation of Tour Operators Responsible Tourism Committee and a member of the ABTA board will demonstrate how TUI has secured market advantage from responsible tourism.
Dr Xavier Font, Director of Studies at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan University UK, will speak about web marketing. He is currently completing research for the International Finance Corporation on World Hotel Link, proactively seeking out, listing and promoting accommodation and other services which support sustainable objectives.
Who Attended?
- Airline and airport executives
- Car rental managers
- Corporate social responsibility executives
- Cruise line and ferry managers
- Health resort managers
- Hotel managers and trade associations
- Press and media
- Public relations executives
- Rail executives
- Travel agencies
- Tour operators and trade associations
This professional conference was organised with support from the International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University www.icrtourism.org
