Speakers

Minister of Economy & Tourism, United Arab Emirates

Welcome Words

UN Tourism Secretary-General Elect 

Shaikha Al Nowais is a distinguished leader in global tourism and hospitality, with an extensive background in delivering governance, sustainability, and economic development projects and initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. Shaikha’s service to the tourism industry extends beyond the private sector, to a number of voluntary stewardship roles where she champions inclusion, education and growth.

Her candidacy for UN Tourism Secretary-General is anchored in a vision of sustainability, digital transformation, ethical governance, and cultural advancement. As a progressive and forward-thinking leader, Shaikha is dedicated to working with global partners to unlock the economic potential of tourism, and guide the industry toward a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future.

Executive Director, Global Initiatives and Advisory, Expo City Dubai

Welcome Words

VP Sustainability, Expo City Dubai

As Vice President – Sustainability at Expo City Dubai, Dr Spanos oversees the department’s activities, including the implementation of initiatives, reporting, and safeguarding the living environment. He also focuses on Expo City’s sustainability certifications and decarbonisation activities. A strategy and sustainability leader with over 20 years’ experience, he is known for delivering advanced solutions across programmes, aligning delivery to budgets, and supporting stakeholder communication. He has advised projects in education, healthcare, hospitality, renewable energy, sports, and real estate. A Chartered Engineer with a PhD in Physics and an MBA from INSEAD, he is a member of multiple engineering and energy institutions.

Founder, Green Destinations International
CEO, Green Destinations and Good Travel Institute, The Netherlands

Albert Salman is the Founding President of Green Destinations and CEO of Green Destinations and the Good Travel Institute. With a background in biology and environmental studies, Albert has been at the forefront of global sustainability efforts in tourism for over three decades. He has initiated and led numerous influential programmes, including the QualityCoast Award, the Top 100 Stories Competition, the Good Travel Seal, and the Good Travel Alliance, to name a few. He also co-founded the Future of Tourism Coalition, helping align global stakeholders around a shared vision for responsible travel. As CEO, Albert collaborates with governments, businesses, and communities to advance credible certification, promote impactful storytelling, and drive systemic change towards sustainable and regenerative tourism worldwide.

Executive Director, Green Destinations Foundation, Slovenia

Jana Apih is Executive Director of the Green Destinations Foundation and Managing Director of GoodPlace, Slovenia’s leading institute for sustainable tourism. She played a central role in the development of the Slovenia Green certification programme, which has become a global model for destination sustainability. With a background in marketing and cultural anthropology, Jana brings over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, certification systems, and destination development. Her work focuses on innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact. Jana is widely recognised for her ability to connect sustainability principles with practical implementation across tourism businesses and communities.

Regional Director, Green Destinations, Greece

Iyad Kayali is Regional Director of Green Destinations for Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa, as well as an expert in sustainable tourism consulting and training. He studied tourism in Greece and Switzerland before training in Sustainable Tourism with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Iyad is embracing the challenge of advancing sustainability across the tourism sector in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and destination criteria for sustainability set out by Green Destinations. His work in sustainable tourism has supported businesses and destinations in Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. Iyad is proud to be a member and supporter of the GSTC, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Training and Support Director, Green Destinations, Philippines/Germany

Patice Talaue is a sustainable tourism expert with over 10 years of experience in research, policy, and capacity-building. She began her career in the Philippines, working with governments, academia, and international organizations like GIZ, NOAA, and UNDP on tourism planning, conservation, and UNESCO World Heritage Site projects. As Training and Support Program Manager at Green Destinations, she has trained 150+ professionals from 40+ countries in sustainable tourism best practices. From 2021–2024, she served on the Blue Flag International jury, representing the World Cetacean Alliance to promote responsible wildlife tourism. She holds two Master of Science degrees: Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines and Tourism Management from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Program (Syddansk Universitet, University of Ljubljana, and Universidad de Girona).

Chief Executive Officer, Hero Experiences Group

Adam McEwan is Group Chief Executive Officer of Hero Experiences Group and a recognised leader in luxury and sustainable tourism. With an International Business degree in Tourism Management, Adam began his career in the cruise industry before joining Emirates Airlines to oversee tours and safaris. In 2012, he co-founded Platinum Heritage, pioneering eco-conscious desert safaris that emphasised cultural authenticity. Later, he expanded the vision through Hero Experiences Group, introducing innovative offerings such as hot-air balloon falconry shows. Widely regarded as a thought leader, Adam continues to champion sustainability, innovation and authenticity in redefining high-end travel experiences.

Deputy Director General, DASTA Thailand

Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob holds a DBA in Human Resource Development and has extensive experience in diplomacy and national development. He previously served as Counselor (Agriculture) at the Thai Mission to the EU and Executive Director for Competitiveness Development at NESDB, where he led Thailand’s ASEAN Community strategies. Currently, as Deputy Director-General of DASTA, he plays a key role in advancing sustainable tourism, promoting GSTC standards, and supporting the Asian Ecotourism Network. His work has guided cities like Sukhothai and Petchaburi into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Dr. Chuwit also lectures at the university level and recently completed the National Defence Program with distinction.

CEO, EcoTourism Australia

Elissa leads a team of dedicated professionals supporting more 2200 certified tourism operators across Australia and Pacific, who are committed to protecting our natural environment, promoting our culture and heritage, and implementing sustainable tourism practices. Ecotourism Australia works with SME operators and global brands including Accor and Marriott. A passionate advocate for wildlife, marine and environmental conservation, Elissa is on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; and is a Judge in the international Green Destinations Top 100 Stories awards. Elissa champions female representation in leadership and is a former Corporate Executive Board Member of Women in Aviation International and a mentor in the Australian Tourism Export Council Elite Program.

Business Product and Senior Sustainability Manager, BeCause, Denmark

Isabel Lissner is Business Product and Senior Sustainability Manager at BeCause, the Sustainability Data Hub for Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality. With a Master’s degree in Tourism and Regional Development from the University of Greifswald, Isabel brings over a decade of experience in sustainable tourism and hospitality. She previously spent eight years at the Foundation for Environmental Education, leading the global development of the Blue Flag and Green Key certification programmes. At Considerate Group, she managed strategic sustainability initiatives for hospitality clients. Today, Isabel combines her deep sector knowledge with product strategy to help tourism businesses navigate sustainability reporting and action.

Director of Projects, Mata Amritanandamayi Mandir Trust (Mallapuram), India

Mahesh Gopalakrishnan is Director of Projects at Mata Amritanandamayi Mandir Trust (MAMAT), leading India’s first large-scale sustainable Cultural Theme Park in Mahabalipuram. An architect with 18+ years of experience and an MBA in Construction Management, he has executed major heritage, tourism, and eco-infrastructure projects including the Sabarimala and Guruvayur Master Plans. A GEM Certified Green Building Professional, Mahesh has trained at Harvard and EPFL, and serves as Independent Director at TCM Ltd. He integrates tradition with innovation, combining sustainability, heritage, and immersive visitor experiences in destination planning.

Chief Climate & Conservation Officer, Emirates Nature-WWF

Marina Antonopoulou is the Chief Officer of Climate Change and Nature Conservation at Emirates Nature-WWF, leading a multidisciplinary team and a portfolio of projects spanning climate action, biodiversity conservation, and bankable nature-based solutions with local communities and entrepreneurs. With over 18 years of experience, she has shaped strategic plans, advised UAE climate and biodiversity policies, and implemented priority conservation projects. Marina has built strong partnerships across public, private, academic, and NGO sectors, and contributes to WWF’s global Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean-Climate Working Groups. She holds a Master’s in Environmental Science, an Executive Certificate in Sustainable Finance, and a Diploma in International Oceans Law and Policy.

Manager Regenerative Tourism Operation – Environment and Sustainability, Red Sea Global

Martin Baeuerle is the Manager of Regenerative Tourism Operations at Red Sea Global (RSG), responsible for implementing regenerative tourism practices at The Red Sea and AMAALA, two pioneering sustainable tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, sustainability, and consulting, Martin has held roles at Radisson Hotel Group, advised hotel operators and semi-government entities in the Middle East, and served as Operations Manager at Cundall Qatar Consulting. He holds a diploma in hotel management and professional certifications in sustainable tourism, including from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), supporting RSG in setting new standards for regenerative tourism.

Tourism Planning and Heritage Management Consultant, Jordan

Maysaa Mubarak Shahateet is a specialist in tourism product development and heritage management with over 20 years of experience advancing sustainable, community-centred destinations across Jordan, the Gulf region, and the Balkans. Her work spans experiential tourism, visitor-journey design, and conservation management at iconic sites such as Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum, as well as historic city cores and themed cultural and adventure trails. Maysaa helps custodians transform cultural and natural assets into meaningful, market-ready experiences, underpinned by sustainability, sound governance, and community integration. Her approach balances economic value with cultural authenticity, strengthening institutional capacity and protecting heritage for future generations.

Assistant Project Manager Sustainability, Expo City Dubai

Ms. Maya Mehdi is a dynamic expert in the world of sustainable events, bringing over nine years of experience and a strong foundation in travel & tourism sustainable management as part of her earlier career in the aviation, tourism, and event sectors. Certified in Corporate Sustainability from Oxford Saïd Business School, she excels at bridging operational excellence with a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility. At Expo City Dubai, Maya currently leads sustainability initiatives for the entire city, as well as the sustainability compliance of flagship events and venues. Her work has been instrumental in developing sustainable event standards and achieving the prestigious ISO 20121:2024 certification for all Expo City Dubai-operated venues. As the leader of the internal Transformation Agents group, the sustainability champions group of Expo City Dubai, Maya is a driving force for cultural change, fostering a new mindset within the organisation. Her multifaceted expertise makes her a compelling figure of knowledge for sustainable venues and a highly valued expert in sustainability governance and compliance for issues associated with sustainable visitation.

Manager of Tourism Directorate, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye

Melih Kayacık is the Manager of the Tourism Directorate at İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. He holds a degree in Econometrics from Dokuz Eylül University and began his public sector career in strategic planning, budget management, and internal control. In 2019, he was appointed to lead İzmir’s Tourism Directorate, where he now oversees the city’s tourism strategy and promotion. Under his leadership, the Municipality is working to position İzmir as a sustainable destination through a destination management approach, aligning tourism development with environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth.

Sector Lead – Tourism, Retail and Property – IFC (World Bank Group) – MCT region

General Director, La Buena Huella, Spain

Victor Fernández Morales is General Director of La Buena Huella and a recognised expert in sustainable tourism, leadership, and regeneration. With a background in Tourism, Business Management, and CSR, he is the creator of frameworks such as Triple Circle Leadership, Connected Leadership, and the Competitive Regenerative Model. Victor has developed key tools including the ARC360 Standard, ASG + C2 Quality System, and the AIRE methodology for SMEs. He has led over 250 projects and teaches postgraduate courses on sustainable management and global strategy. He also contributes to DIRSE’s technical committee and the UN Global Compact Tourism Group in Spain.

Executive Director Meaningful Tourism Centre

Prof Dr Wolfgang Georg Arlt is the Founder and Executive Director of the Meaningful Tourism Centre, headquartered in London and Kathmandu. With over 40 years’ experience in international tourism development, particularly in Asia, he has become a leading voice in rethinking the future of tourism. Over the past five years, he has developed the Meaningful Tourism paradigm, a holistic framework that balances objective benefits and subjective satisfaction for six key stakeholders: travellers, host communities, employees, companies, governments, and the environment. Through SMART KPIs, he provides destinations and organisations with practical tools to measure and advance their progress.

Assistant Professor Business and Tourism Management University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Oman

Dr Ali Akaak is an academic and practitioner in tourism and business, specialising in sustainable tourism, heritage and cultural management, and community-led ecotourism. He serves as Assistant Professor of Business and Tourism Management at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Oman and is currently a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on strategic tourism marketing and sustainability, combining academic rigour with policy insight and industry collaboration. An active member of local and international societies, Dr Akaak designs programmes and conferences aligned with Oman Vision 2040, driving innovation and cross-border partnerships in tourism and hospitality.

Co-founder Paths of Greece Social Cooperative

Fivos Tsaravopoulos is a trail development expert and co-founder of Paths of Greece, a social cooperative established in 2010. With more than 15 years of experience, he specialises in scouting, auditing, and designing hiking and cycling trail networks across Greece, the Middle East, and beyond. His expertise includes GIS-based trail planning, the restoration of historic footpaths, trail signage systems, and certification processes. Fivos also serves as Treasurer of the World Trails Network and has led high-profile projects such as the award-winning Sifnos Trails. Through his work, he combines environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism development.

Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter,Board Member of EUHOFA International

Khem Lakai is the Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter and a Board Member of EUHOFA International, the global association of hotel school directors and deans. He is also the Founder of GATE College, Nepal’s leading and internationally recognised hospitality institution. Renowned for his advocacy of innovation, sustainability, and regenerative tourism, Khem promotes models that restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and create dignified employment. Through his leadership at PATA, GATE, and EUHOFA, he has positioned Nepal as a global example of how education and tourism can drive inclusive and responsible development, while preparing the sector for a more resilient future.

Senior Research Partnership Manager, Outdooractive

With a background in sustainable tourism management and cultural studies, Simon has built his career at the intersections of tourism, development cooperation, and environmental conservation. A lifelong hiker and mountain climber, his passion for the outdoors underpins his role at Outdooractive, the world’s leading outdoor tourism platform. There, he manages research and innovation partnerships, focusing on sustainable regional development, visitor management, biodiversity protection, and climate action through data and technology. Dividing his time between Quito, Berlin, and the Allgäu, Simon continues to bridge sustainability and innovation in tourism, while hoping one day to add a dog to his adventures.

Entrepreneur, Adventurer and Motivational Speaker

Omar Samra is an entrepreneur, adventurer, motivational speaker, and analogue astronaut. He is the first Egyptian to climb Everest, complete the Seven Summits, and ski to both Poles. After leaving banking, he founded Wild Guanabana, a pioneering adventure travel company that developed hiking and cycling trails across the Middle East. He also created a children’s charity in honour of his late wife. As an analogue astronaut, he served as Vice-Commander of Lunares 3, a lunar habitability mission. Omar has made first ascents in Antarctica, rowed 1,000 km across the Atlantic, and survived a capsizing—an ordeal captured in an award-winning documentary.