GSTC2023 Sustainable Tourism Conference in Antalya, Türkiye

This year’s GSTC2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 12th of May. The Conference will bring together international and domestic tourism stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of sustainable travel & tourism; including public sector, hotels, tour operators, corporates, OTAs, academia, development agencies, NGOs, consultants, and more.

GSTC extends the deepest sympathies to all the people affected by the devastating and heart-breaking earthquakes in eastern Türkiye, and express our gratitude to those involved in the recovery efforts.

Together with Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), we decided to move forward and hold the GSTC2023 Conference in May as planned. Antalya was not affected by the earthquakes in eastern Türkiye (which is 823km away), it is safe, and visitors are welcomed and appreciated by locals and by the tourism sector that rely on us.

Themes

(A) Destination Stewardship
• Port Destinations and Sustainability
• Sustainable Coastal Destinations
• Sustainable Rural Tourism

(B) Hotel Sustainability
• Hotel digitalization solutions
• Sustainability in Resorts

(C) Sustainable Tours, Experiences, and Attractions
• Culture and Nature Experiences
• Sustainable Attractions

(D) Sustainable MICE

Program

A mixture of panel discussions and interactive workshops with international and national experts in sustainable tourism as speakers.

Schedule

Tuesday, May 9th
Welcome Reception Dinner (for all participants)

Wednesday, May 10th
Conference – day 1 (including lunch + Host Destination Dinner)

Thursday, May 11th
Conference – day 2 (including lunch + Farewell Dinner)

Friday, May 12th
Complimentary tour

Full program

What will it look like?

If you wonder what GSTC Conferences look like, you can see photos and session recordings from the GSTC2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference that was held in Seville, Spain:

This was my 3rd GSTC conferences and I have to admit, it’s getting more and more popular among sustainable tourism heroes. Great panelists, great location and superb organization 👌

Simon Louvard, Founder & Manager, Lodg'ing

Thank you GSTC for a fantastic #gstc2022 conference, driving the alignment of sustainability for the travel & tourism industry. Looking forward to proceed our conversations as new GSTC member organization soon!

Sven Wiltink, Global Director Responsible Business, Radisson Hotel Group

It’s been an engaging, enlightening, and fun couple of days in Seville at the GSTC Conference.

Matthew Landkamer, Founding Principal, Whereabout

I was delighted to attend the GSTC conference in #Seville, Spain. The Conference was well-organized in all aspects, from the conducted panel discussions and workshops to the last day of the city tour, which I immensely enjoyed.

Over four days, I enjoyed attending sessions, meetings, and workshops by experts, researchers, academics, trainers, consultants, and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry and their experiences in sustainability, and their efforts to apply the principle of sustainability in their work, as well as the tourist destinations in which they work. Such international conferences are an added value to meeting wonderful people (more than 350 participants from 61 countries).

I cannot thank enough the GSTC team for their tremendous efforts in making this unforgettable experience by organizing such a fantastic event and for their choice of the beautiful city of Seville. I look forward to meeting you at the next GSTC Conference in Antalya.

Dr. Ali Akaak, Head of Human Resources Section, University of Technology and Applied Sciences

Thank you Sevilla and GSTC for great conference days! Fantastic that so many countries in the world work to lead the way forward to a more sustainable tourism industry.

Linda Mannerby, Senior Sustainability Manager, Visit Sweden

I have enjoyed 2 days of learning from my industry colleagues and experts from around the world at the GSTC Asia Pac conference in Korea. A lot of food for thought! I enjoyed this opportunity to learn the many different wonderful initiatives the conference participants are working on with their respective partners in moving towards our shared goal.

Thanks to the GSTC team and also the Korean team for organizing such a fantastic event. I am looking forward to the next Global Sustainable Tourism Conference!

Benjamin Wong, Co-founder and CEO, Tricolage

A huge thank you to the GSTC staff and board for putting on such an amazing conference! Many new friends and connections were made, and GreenStep is looking forward to working together to continue advancing the sustainability of the global tourism industry!

GreenStep Solutions Inc.

The best way to end a busy and restarting year like 2022, and not only in the world of tourism, was to attend the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Seville. More than 60 nationalities, among the most representative companies in the world of tourism meet to take a look at the state of sustainability in our sector and the main challenges to be accomplished. A very important appointment of confrontation, exchange and learning.

Enrico Ducrot, Founder, Ecoluxury Retreats of the World

It has been intensive, informative, inspirational and interesting week at #GSTC2022 conference in Sevilla, Spain. The greatest thing was to meet people in person after talking with them online the past couple of years. Many plans are now on next steps thanks for face to face networking.

Virpi Aittokoski , Manager, Sustainable Travel Finland

I am glad to have participated in the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Seville organized by the GSTC. It is inspiring to gather with so many like-minded professionals all united by the same goal: making tourism a vehicle for change toward a more sustainable world. Sustainability is not only a growing trend. It is becoming THE standard. 🌱

Francesco Piccolo, CFO & Founder, TripGuru

It’s been a great opportunity to participate in such a well-organized, productive event and attend a lot of engaging meetings, inspiring sessions, and panel discussions.

I was also lucky enough to meet wonderful, like-minded people and establish a wide network with international professionals from more than 60 countries which would be great for building new collaborations towards more Sustainability in Travel and Tourism.

Special thanks go to the GSTC team for hosting this event and for their tangible efforts in organization. You’ve proficiently managed to make this experience a remarkable and memorable one!

Ahmed Khaled, Program Manager, Green Star Hotel Programme

Speakers

Arantxa Garcia Lis
Head of Sustainability, TUI Musement, TUI Group

Matt Callaghan
Customer & Operations Director, easyJet Holidays

Lindsay Morvan
Director Tourism Authority, Mauritius

Sandra Wilking
Deputy Director, Berlin Convention Office

Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu
Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)

Prof. Hasan Ali Karasar
Rector, Cappadocia University

Figen Ayan
President, MedCruise / Chief Port Officer, Galataport Istanbul

Kees Jan Boonen
Senior Manager Travel Sustainable Program, Booking.com

Travel Information

Weather: May in Antalya, Turkiye

Visa: Do you need a visa to enter Turkiye? Find out here.

How to get to Antalya:

By Air: International Antalya Airport (AYT) has direct flights from many European cities.

Accommodation is the responsibility of the participants. Discounted rate at Nirvana Cosmopolitan Hotel (where the Conference is held) will be available soon.

More travel and safety information here

Venue

Venue: Nirvana Cosmopolitan Hotel, Antalya, Turkiye

Antalya, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean and the Turkish Riviera, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in both Türkiye and Europe. The city has a long and complex history which dates back to the 2nd century BC. Antalya has a worldwide reputation that hosts the biggest number of archaeological excavations and ancient cities like Myra, Perge and Side Ancient Ruins, Aspendos Theatre and Archeology Museum.

Antalya is the only province with more than 200 blue flag beaches in the world and best known for its sunny weather more than 300 sunny days. The city is full of attractions like Hadrian’s Gate, Yivli Minare Mosque, Old Town Kaleici, and some others. Today, Antalya is a bustling city with plenty to offer as a cultural hub like hosting events such as the International Antalya Film Festival since 1964.

More information about Antalya

Organizers 

Conference Hotel

Media Partners

Carbon Footprint Measurement Sponsors

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