Attended by pioneering tourism and hospitality leaders, the annual Tourism Summit brings together the best and brightest minds to address the social, economic and climate challenges facing the tourism sector and wider planet.
Hosted at Winslade House, Exeter on Wednesday November 22nd 2023, ambitious hospitality leaders will hear from academics, thinkers and doers discussing ‘Tourism for Good’. The event offers presentations and workshops exploring authenticity, sustainability, and inclusion and how the tourism sector can positively impact people and planet, while continuing to thrive.
With many of the most forward-thinking businesses in the UK becoming B Corp-certified and hospitality organisations improving their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials, the summit will provide practical guidance on why becoming a more ethical and sustainable tourism business can also lead to greater profits.
“The hospitality and tourism industry is at risk. The challenges facing us, from the cost-of-living crisis, increasing global instability, and our society’s impact on climate change and our nature world, mean that business as usual is not an option” according to Sustainability Consultant, Katri Hastings from Bioregional, speaking at this year’s Summit.
“Events like this, bringing together industry experts with diverse expertise and experience, are key to meeting these challenges head on by supporting the development of collaborative solutions. There are practical actions that all businesses can take to transition to a net-zero carbon and sustainable future, to protect their businesses and support a sustainable society”, said Hastings.
This year’s speakers include:
Simon Numphud FIH, managing director of AA Media Ltd and fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, who is responsible for both AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, and VisitEngland Assessment Services for over 8000 hospitality businesses. Simon will deliver high-level industry insights to help hospitality businesses gain a true connection with both repeat and new guests. He will share observations, leading practice and initiatives across the sector that have helped hospitality businesses succeed.
Geoff Holt MBE DL is director of Wetwheels Solent CIC and disability sports ambassador and became an inspiration to millions when he completed his “Personal Everest” challenge by sailing 1,445 miles solo around Great Britain in a 15 foot dinghy and sailed unassisted across the Atlantic in a 60ft catamaran. Geoff will share his personal philosophy of ‘no excuses’ that lies at the heart of his story: motivating others to live life to the full and conquer challenges no matter what they may be.
Kalkidan Legesse MBA is a social entrepreneur, founder of Sancho’s and OWNI, and diversity and inclusion advocate who works to scale environmentally sound and socially inclusive businesses. In a world facing climate change, failures of leaderships, and systematic inequity, Kalkidan is passionate about and advocates for intersectional environmentalism, anti-racism and effective social leadership. Kalkidan’s presentation will include practicing anti-racism in business design and marketing and creating safe environments for employees of colour.
Dr Natalie Semley, senior lecturer in Sustainable Tourism Management at Falmouth University who is presenting her research and insights into what it will take to lead tomorrow’s sustainable tourism businesses.
The Tourism Summit conference was the brainchild of Clockwork Marketing’s Clare Bushby and Soundview Media’s Gareth Allen. Both have decades of experience working with tourism and hospitality businesses across the UK.
“We’re acutely aware of the challenges facing all businesses and organisations in 2023 and the “permacrisis” we find ourselves in. When so many issues are being thrown at us from all directions it’s difficult to decide where our priorities lie – we hope The Tourism Summit helps people find a way through the mire and points them to a prosperous future”, said Gareth Allen, managing director, Sound View Media
“With the backdrop of wars, potential global recession and ever-rising energy costs, hospitality businesses are under pressure like never before. Our sector’s impact on climate change also can no longer be ignored. Tourism for Good is about sharing a vision for a brighter future for tourism, working together to place inclusivity, sustainability, and authenticity at the heart of businesses with purpose”, said Clare Bushby, managing director Clockwork Marketing
For more details visit www.thetourismsummit.co.uk.
