Sustainable tourism in Asia: Get inspired at the Switch Asia to Greenseminar and stand
29 February 2024 - Sustainability is more important than ever for European tourists, and Asian destinations are increasingly harnessing this potential.
Sustainability best practices and challenges from Thailand, Bhutan, Laos and Kyrgyzstan will be presented at a special seminar jointly organized with PATA at ITB Berlin this year on Thursday, 7 March.
Visitors can join the Switch Asia to Green seminar from 11:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. at the City Cube M4 meeting room for an information and networking event with products, destination presentations and panel discussions on new sustainable offers from Thailand, Laos, Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan. Get inspired by leading Asian sustainable tourism advocates.
Agenda
● 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m.: Thailand: Inspiring innovations in Thai Sustainable Tourism
● 12:00p.m-1:00p.m.: Bhutan: Becoming the Greenest Country in the World?
● 1:00p.m-2:00p.m.: Laos: Sustainable from the Start?
● 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m.: Kyrgyzstan: Communities at the Centre?
Check out the detailed programme at www.asia.travelife.info
Meet us at Switch Asia stand Hall 4.1b-213
The European Union Switch Asia programme supports companies across the European-Asian supply chain to improve products, implement sustainability, and comply with upcoming EU CSR regulations. At ITB Berlin, Asian destinations and inbound tour operators will showcase tours and products developed with the support of Switch Asia projects.
The team can support international tour operators to create more sustainable supply chains by connecting them with Travelife-awarded inbound partners; inspiring them with low carbon suppliers and tours to include in their current product offer; and supporting their Asian inbound tour operators/DMCs to work towards sustainability, with opportunities for training, assessment and certification.
Thailand: Low Carbon tours and responsible village experiences
Meet the team of the Thai Eco and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) at the Thailand or Switch Asia booth to learn about over 50 newly developed carbon-neutral routes and packages.
Travellers are looking for ways to explore and experience with a low carbon footprint and fewer impacts on the environment. However, identifying low carbon activities can be confusing. With its certified 50+ new carbon-neutral tours available across Thailand, TEATA can help travellers reduce their emissions inside Thailand, without reducing the experience!
In addition, visitors this year can seek local inspiration through 30 community-based tourism programmes, which can be integrated into their travel offer. This includes local experiences in classic destinations (Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Phuket) as well as lesser known, highly authentic Thai destinations.
Bhutan: Sustainable tour operators, packages and attractions
Visitors can also meet with 14 Travelife-awarded tour operators and the Bhutanese Association of Bhutanese Tour operators (ABTO), to learn about innovative products, sustainable hotels and carbon neutral routes. The Bhutan Department of Tourism will be providing information about new sustainability and visa regulations.
Laos: Certified tour operators and hotels
Five Travelife-awarded Laos tour operators will be on the Switch Asia stand. Visitors to the show can meet with the locally based Laos destination team from the Lao Chamber of Commerce who will explain the Lasting Laos campaign and suppliers offer.
Kyrgyzstan: Certified tour operators and community products
Eight Travelife-certified Kyrgyz tour operators will also be on the stand. Visitors will be able to learn about authentic community experiences from the Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (KCBTA) and meet with destination experts from Helvetas Kyrgyzstan.
More info on partners and products on www.asia.travelife.info. Visitors to ITB Berlin, especially tour operators and DMCs, are invited to meet Switch Asia’s partners and destination experts on the following stands.
Switch Asia to Green stand: Hall 4.1/ 213
Thailand TEATA stand: Hall 26b / 217