Recap | Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference Chile - Day 1 🇨🇱

Welcome to the Day 1 Summary of the Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference!

Yesterday’s pre-conference activities set an inspiring tone for the conference. Delegates gathered at Empresa Portuaria Austral for a meticulously planned welcome session that included a special tour. This tour, led by the Region of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, provided a unique opportunity to experience the area’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity firsthand. The activity was a delightful introduction and an effective primer for the discussions that were to unfold on sustainability and conservation.

🇨🇱 Day 1 Overview

The first official day of the conference commenced with high expectations following the vibrant start the day before. Here are the detailed activities and sessions that took place:

🔗 Watch the recording of Day 1 sessions

Opening Keynote Session

Time & Venue: 8:30 - 10:30 AM, Punta Dúngenes

Moderator: Víctor Róman León

Keynote Speakers:

• Jorge Mauricio Flies Añón, Regional Governor, highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into regional development strategies.
• Cristóbal Benítez Villafranca , Director of SERNATUR Chile, outlined the organisation’s initiatives for promoting sustainable practices across the country’s tourism sector.
• Albert Salman , President of Green Destinations, shared insights from his extensive experience in developing global sustainability standards.

The Morning Session

🌿 The session titled “Exploring Sustainable Tourism in Magallanes: Strategies for Empowerment” was moderated by Víctor Róman León , featuring speakers Mauricio Ruiz, Mauricio Kusanovic Olate , Catalina Ovando Arias , Andrea Guzmán Leiva , and Raffaele Di Biase .

• A global perspective on innovative sustainability strategies in tourism.
• Speakers from around the world shared successful case studies and emerging trends in sustainable tourism.

🌿 “Protecting Nature and Communities: Conservation and Resilience Through Sustainable Tourism” was led by moderator Josep Capella Hereu , with panellists including JOSE INES Loria Palma , LORENZO LUIS FLORES CORDERO , Germaynee Vela-Ruiz Figueroa, and José Carlos Nieto Navarrete.

• Examination of Chile’s efforts in integrating conservation with tourism development.
• Discussions covered specific regions and initiatives that showcase innovative conservation efforts aligned with tourism growth.

🌿 Paola Cairampoma moderated the session “Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage: Community Transformation and Biodiversity Preservation”, which included speakers José Piu , Abril Palma Bacelis, Cristian Argel Guerrero, and Francisca Aylwin.

• Focus on green energy solutions and climate action within tourism.
• The session provided a platform for discussing how tourism can actively contribute to sustainability and climate goals.

The Afternoon Session

🌿 Albert Salman moderated “Pioneering Sustainability: International Strategies in Tourism Destinations,” with insights from Jana Apih , Víctor Fernández Morales , Beatriz Barreal , Monique Chen , and Elissa Keenan .

• A global perspective on innovative sustainability strategies in tourism.
• Speakers from around the world shared successful case studies and emerging trends in sustainable tourism.

🌿 The session “Promoting Chile’s Natural Heritage: Fostering Sustainable Tourism Through Conservation and Innovation” was moderated by Felipe Omar Vera Soto , featuring Natalia Elizabeth Ibañez , Marcela Godoy Espinoza , Alejandro Núñez Guerrero , and Patricia Andrea Ávila Montero as speakers.

• Examination of Chile’s efforts in integrating conservation with tourism development.
• Discussions covered specific regions and initiatives that showcase innovative conservation efforts aligned with tourism growth.

🌿 “Paths to Sustainability: Climate Action, Green Energy, and Conservation in Tourism” was conducted under the guidance of Josep Capella Hereu , with contributions from Ian Corcoran Ruiz , Juan Ignacio Marambio Morel , Marisol Espino , and Laura Azócar .

• Focus on green energy solutions and climate action within tourism.
• The session provided a platform for discussing how tourism can actively contribute to sustainability and climate goals.

🔗 Watch the recording of Day 1 sessions

GD2024 Conference Dinner

The evening of Day 1 culminated in a splendid conference dinner held at Dreams Hotel, where the atmosphere was charged with excitement and camaraderie. The event was special as it celebrated the achievements of newly Awarded and Certified Destinations, along with the 2024 Top 100 Stories. This recognition ceremony highlighted the dedication and innovative approaches of destinations around the world towards sustainable tourism. Guests enjoyed a gala dinner that featured a menu curated from local, sustainable sources, emphasising the conference’s commitment to sustainability.

Top 3 Takeaways from Day 1

• Emphasis on Global Collaboration: The discussions underscored the crucial role of international cooperation in fostering sustainable tourism practices. Insights from a diverse panel of global leaders illustrated how shared knowledge and strategies can lead to more effective sustainability outcomes worldwide.
• Focus on Local Empowerment: A key insight from the sessions was the critical importance of empowering local communities. This includes involving them in the decision-making processes and ensuring that tourism development benefits both the environment and local populations, promoting long-term sustainability.
• Innovation in Sustainability Practices: Day 1 highlighted innovative approaches to sustainability, ranging from the use of eco-friendly materials in accommodations to advanced green energy solutions. These pioneering practices are both enhancing tourism sustainability and setting new standards for the industry.

Call to Action

Stay tuned for Day 2 of the Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference! Expect another lineup of fascinating sessions and distinguished speakers who will delve deeper into the integration of cultural heritage with sustainability, new economic models for conservation, and the role of technology in sustainable tourism. Don’t miss out on these insightful discussions designed to shape the future of the tourism industry. Join us as we continue to explore transformative strategies and practical solutions in sustainable tourism.