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Tuesday 25th , 12.45-13.30
What does Responsible Tourism mean for MENA?
We look at the business case for Responsible Tourism, at the contribution which addressing the three dimensions of sustainability - the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability - make to the success of tourism in the region and to tourism businesses. Your opportunity to hear from three businesses about what they do, why they do it and why it makes business sense - and then to question them.
Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor
Tamara Withers, Â Corporate Sustainability Manager, WWF
Peter Stubbs, Director of Compliance, Jumeirah Group & Corporate
Warren Baverstock, Aquarium Operations Manager, The Aquarium & Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, The Burj Al Arab
Tuesday 25th, 13.45-14.30
Culture and TourismÂ
The Middle East and North Africa has a rich cultural heritage. A region rich in archaeology, tangible artefacts and built heritage and intangible living cultures. As tourists seek for meaningful engagement with local cultures to create memorable experiences we look at three examples of the ways in which tourism benefits from cultural heritage and contributes to its maintenance.
Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor
Arva Ahmed Chief Executive Muncher, Frying Pan Tourism
Dr PV Ramana Murthy, Senior Vice President, Global Head - Human Resources, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Hamad Allhaydan - Â Founder of Gazelle Resort and Strawberry Park in Saudi Arabia
Wednesday 26th, 14.15-15.00
Sustainability in MENA 2015-2o20Â
2017 is the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Development through Tourism and in 2020 the United Arab Emirates will host the Expo 2020. One of the three themes of the Expo is sustainability,  looking at ways that we can pursue progress without compromising the fundamental needs of future generations. 2015 saw the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, three of which explicitly mention tourism.  Three panellists will explore what the idea of sustainability means for tourism and tourism businesses.
Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor
Dr Federica Busa Expo 2020 Dubai: Director Theme
Professor David Russell, The Russell Partnership (UK) Limited
Samantha Annandale CEO Verde Hotels South AfricaÂ
Solaiman Al Rifai, Senior Project Manager, Tourism Development and Investments, Dubai Tourism
2017 is the United Nations’ International Year of Sustainable Development through Tourism and in 2020 the UAE plans to welcome 25 million people to EXPO 2020 in Dubai. Over the next three years at the Arabian Travel Market, we plan to run panels on the challenges of sustainability and in 2021 as the Expo closes we want to celebrate what will have been achieved in creating collaboration and partnership amongst the international community to seek collective solutions for a better future. 2015 saw the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, three of which explicitly mention tourism. Three panellists will explore what the idea of sustainability means for tourism and tourism businesses in the context of the UAE’s pioneering work in the developing EXPO 2020.
