The Resilience Council will open the event with a review of the past year’s activities and a look forward to the road ahead.

Travel and Tourism is only now focusing on the critical issue of resilience, in the face of increasing threats to stability. We all know we need to be prepared and to respond – but are we?

Leaders of international organisations, national government and public and private organizations will discuss initiatives to improve resilience from both public and private sector perspectives.

This session will explore how some international organizations, governments and industry are working minimize the impact of crises at global national and operational levels –and if the sector aligned within and externally with other critical players and frameworks such as the UN Sendai Framework. Will the next decade see the industry more prepared to address crises, and if so – how will that happen?

A best-in-class case study on how a territory that has faced adversity can challenge the norm and come back thriving.

Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s young Destination Marketing Organization, knew it had to do something big and bold as the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Maria approached. Hear what earned media and influencer strategies and tactics were put into place to transform an Island in need into the top Place to Visit in 2019 by The New York Times and a slew of other media outlets.

Forces that come to bear upon the sector and its stakeholders will be presented and discussed such as populism, trust, social responsibility, leadership and labour policies as well as scoping access to fiscal assets.

The Trust Barometer indicates enterprises have shifted to the position of trust in society, how does this change how we plan, lead and ensure resiliency in the sector? Enterprise competitiveness and fiscal incentives are where the rubber meets the road, what’s available and where to look? The need to understand the social responsibility of the industry as well the economics of resiliency for both the destination and the SME is paramount for impactful, long term recovery and resiliency. Further success comes when the sector begins to enforce human and animal rights policies set forth by UNWTO.

From global sporting events to world fairs, the mega event is a powerful tool in developing destination demand, job opportunity, revenue and improved infrastructure. This case in point will highlight how the UAE will benefit from Dubai 2020 and why mega events have been around for more than 168 years!

Technology is important but communication is paramount. Developing the right strategy and tactics is an art learned through experience; speakers dealing with earthquakes, mountaineering deaths, water shortages, conservation and overtourism will share the lessons learned and important tools for recovery and resiliency.

South Africa had severe water shortage, fear was the strategy, how was it received and what was learned. Marine conservation with the support of the Pew Charitable Trust may make an important difference, how is the messaging addressing the climate change crisis? Hear about a ground-breaking study exploring global perspectives on high-value, sustainable tourism and potential role of MPAs in contributing to sustainable marine tourism economies. Having identified that some issues are as a result of overtourism, how can data assist in finding solutions to disperse tourists, or create new site development? 

Man-made crises can range from malfeasance to political discord or corruption to terrorism. Our speakers have first-hand experiences to share. Decide if their actions were purely reactive? Addressing these types of dilemmas is challenging. Nothing in any business school can prepare leaders for such turmoil, so how does one find the right plan, develop the right procedures or contract the right tooling How do businesses thrive in the uncertainty of Brexit? Surviving terrorist events and the ability to return to normal often depends on location, brand or market credit. Speakers will speak from their experience what was it like? Are there lessons to share?