WORLD TOURISM CONFERENCE 2025

✳️ In the wake of the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, UN Tourism’s call to “Rethink Tourism—From Crisis to Transformation” set the stage for a fundamental paradigm shift. As of 2024, international tourism rebounded impressively with 1.4 billion arrivals globally—an increase of 115% from 2023. The Asia-Pacific region saw strong momentum, reaching 87% of pre-pandemic numbers. 🔄 This global resurgence has paved the way for a renewed vision: a tourism sector that leads in sustainable, inclusive, and resilient transformation…

🌱 A Multidimensional Approach

🔎The evolving discourse on sustainable transformation demands a multidimensional approach—extending beyond environmental sustainability to encompass social inclusivity, cultural & heritage respect, protection of flora & fauna, economic empowerment, and climate resilience…

🤝 Tourism’s role in advancing social justice and inclusivity must be amplified. Indigenous peoples bring invaluable traditional knowledge & cultural richness yet often remain excluded from mainstream tourism benefits…

🛡️ Moreover, the sector must embed resilience and adaptability as core principles—addressing immediate shocks (pandemics, disasters) and chronic challenges (climate change, biodiversity loss, socioeconomic inequality)…

👣 Importantly, visitors are critical change agents: through responsible consumption and conscious travel behaviours, they can catalyze regenerative tourism models that uplift communities, conserve ecosystems, and celebrate cultural diversity. 🌏✨

🎯 GOAL OF THE WORLD TOURISM CONFERENCE

To create a collaborative and inclusive platform for global tourism stakeholders…

🏷️ CONFERENCE THEME

“Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: Inclusive – Resilient – Regenerative” 🌿♻️

📅 FORMAT OF THE WORLD TOURISM CONFERENCE

The World Tourism Conference is a one-day event on 28 September 2025, held in Melaka Historic City…

• 🕘 Session 1: Morning of 28 September 2025 (Opening ceremony + Special Speech + 1 plenary)
• 🕒 Session 2 & 3: Afternoon of 28 September 2025 (Remaining plenaries)
• 🔸 Format of Each Session
• 🗣️ Keynote Address: Big-picture context & sub-theme.
• 🎤 Presentation by Panellists: 20-minute presentation each + 5 minutes Q&A.
• 🧭 Panel Discussion: 45-minute moderated discourse with audience participation.

🧾 PROPOSED LIST OF SPEAKERS & TOPICS

SESSION 1: EMPOWERING ECONOMIES THROUGH INCLUSIVE TOURISM

🎖️ Special Speech by the Guest of Honour
Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan…

🎯 Keynote & Moderator: Ibu Mari Elka Pangestu…

👥 Panelists:
Dr. Louise Twinning-Ward ✉️ ltwiningward@worldbank.org
Ms. Wanvipa Thom Phanumat ✉️ thom@localalike.com
Ms. Zaza Rita Badron… ✉️ zahkopel04@gmail.com
Alternative: Professor Bao Jigang ✉️ eesbjg@mail.sysu.edu.cn

SESSION 2: FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: SCALING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

🎤 Keynote & Moderator: Dr. Dirk Glasser ✉️ dglaesser@unwto.org

👥 Panelists:
Mr. Inthy Deuansavanh ✉️ inthy@greendiscoverylaos.com
Mr. Steven Schipani ✉️ sschipani@adb.org
Ms. Justine Vaz ✉️ justine.vaz@gmail.com

SESSION 3: TOURISM IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND INNOVATION

🤖 Keynote & Moderator: Dr. Ian Yeoman ✉️ ian.yeoman@nhistenden.com

👥 Panelists:
Speaker from Agoda—(to be confirmed)
Mr. Yoon Hong-gu ✉️ ctx88435@kosmes.or.kr
Mr. Badzlan Bakar ✉️ badzlan.bakar@reyhut.com

📌 Reserve List:
Ms. Heidi van der Watt
Mr. Jorge Moller Rivas
Mr. Freddie Coleman
Ms. Khoo Salma Nasution