Sustainable Tourism

On June 21, 2017, a group of about 85 leaders from across the tourism industry convened for the Sustainable Tourism Summit, which took place as part of VERGE Hawaii.  

Sustainable Tourism Summit Photos

VERGE Hawaii Sustainable Tourism Summit

Download the Sustainable Tourism Summit Summary

Sustainable Tourism Summit

Wednesday, June 21, 12:30 - 5:30pm

The Sustainable Tourism Summit is a half-day, invitation-only working session focusing on the technologies, policies, partnerships and business models that accelerate sustainable tourism in Hawaii and beyond.

Agenda: The Summit begins with an opening lunch to set the focus and frame the afternoon. Participants will then engage in a series of facilitated discussions focused on exploring challenges and promising solutions to accelerate sustainable tourism. The Summit is designed to be an interactive, roll-up-your-sleeves experience, with few speeches or slide presentations.

Potential Topics:

  • Sustainability goals, measures and indicators

  • Internal performance monitoring

  • Food and water management 

  • Integrating with local economies

  • Respecting sensitive ecosystems 

  • Climate and carbon leadership

Overarching Goals:

  • Create a shared vision of what it means for the tourism industry to become sustainable, in a way that enhances visitor experience and supports sustainable management of the destination and businesses

  • Identify roles of key stakeholders in overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities

  • Establish a roadmap for the industry to continually improve its performance

  • Continue to support Hawaii's position as leader in sustainable tourism

Who should attend:

Participation is by-invitation and will be limited to no more than 150 people. Relevant stakeholders include:

  • Global hotel brands and local independent operators

  • Property owners and management companies

  • Airlines

  • Destination management organizations

  • Tour operators

  • Ground transportation companies

  • Cruise companies

  • Online and traditional travel agencies

  • Government tourism departments and policy makers

  • Technology innovators and service providers

What you can expect:

  • Deep learning about what technologies and new models are on the cutting edge of sustainable tourism best practices, and what’s needed to scale them

  • Focused networking with a diverse group of leaders who can be powerful and effective allies and potential partners, in and outside of Hawaii

  • Collaborative development of a shared vision about what it means for the tourism industry to become truly sustainable, in Hawaii and beyond, and key actions you can take, individually and through your organization, to move towards that vision

Select Sustainable Tourism Sessions

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The Sustainable Tourism track features visionary plenary sessions and thought-provoking breakouts led by key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry, engaging networking opportunities, an exclusive Sustainable Tourism Summit, innovative technology providers and more.

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Sustainable Pathways to Economic Prosperity

This discussion will explore how tourism is a key economic driver in Hawai‘i and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future, even as Hawai‘i seeks to diversify in other sectors.  Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaiian Airlines and HECO will discuss Hawai‘i’s unique role in catalyzing economic prosperity and attracting investment, while reducing energy and water use, building community resilience, and supporting environmental stewardship through sustainable tourism initiatives and planning. 

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Overcoming Sustainability Challenges in the Tourism Industry

While hotels focus mainly on costs, they consume resources at a rate that is simply unsustainable for the long term. It's a paradox as old as the industry. While some argue about the value of "greening" in the industry, others understand that it is also about resilience and security. Two veterans in the industry discuss potential solutions to overcome sustainability challenges, and what it will take hotels, airlines, cabs and other major tourism stakeholders to take necessary action.

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New Technologies and Innovative Strategies for Energy Efficiency

Breakout

In renewables-focused Hawaii, energy efficiency is not always the first priority for people and organizations. With so many energy efficient products, services and programs to choose from, the technologies and strategies can seem daunting. So what will it take to truly scale energy efficiency in the region? Learn from speakers employing new strategies and tools for accelerating the adoption of energy efficient products and services — from an innovative technology platform that helps consumers tackle the information barrier associated with their energy efficiency choices, to  Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Market Transformation Program model that takes advantage of both upstream leverage in the market chain and downstream interventions to create lasting, cost-effective changes in energy efficiency product markets.

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Building Energy Management: Holistic Tech Strategies to Reducing Building Energy Use Intensity in Hawaii

Breakout

An exploration of the emerging technologies and controls in building energy management, with a discussion about the strategies and goals for achieving significant reductions in building energy use intensity in Hawaii. Specific issues and perspectives will cover the current challenges and opportunities of building management systems in the state, building workforce capacity (increasing access to training on data management), cybsecurity concerns in data management and integrated demand side management in large-scale commercial facilities, and building management and grid services (demand response potential).

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Cultivating Economic Development in the Clean Energy Transition

Breakout

Business leaders from across sectors in Hawaii are investing in a clean energy and community resilience. This discussion will explore perspectives from various public and private sector stakeholders who are redeveloping the Kalealoa District in Oahu, the collaboration and financing models that are working, how microgrids are enabling resiliency and energy security in the process, and the strategies that are driving clean energy and the local economy.

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The Future of Mobility on Islands

Breakout

As transportation becomes more connected, shared, electrified, and even autonomous, big cities are starting to address the policies and planning that is needed to adapt to these changes. But what does this mean for the future of mobility on islands?  An expert panel of innovators in technology, transportation and transit planning explore the solutions.

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