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Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2023
Our annual Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference is a thought provoking, educational and inspirational day with amazing speakers. This event is a must for future-focused tourism businesses that want to improve their sustainability credentials. It’s packed with insights from both international and Irish leaders in their fields. Filled with practical advice, as well as inspiration from business owners that have transformed their operations and taken the lead in responsible, sustainable and regenerative tourism.
In January 2023, back by high demand, the virtual Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference is not to be missed!
Our Inspiring Speakers
Alison Donnellan, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Alison Donnellan is a Programme Executive with SEAI, working on the SME Programme. She is an experienced Development Assistant with a demonstrated history of working with Irish businesses. She has a Masters Degree in International Development from University College Dublin with specialisations in Sustainable Development, Latin American Politics and Human Rights. She also has experience in the NGO sector in Ireland. Her current role is to work with businesses across all sectors and sizes, to engage them in SEAI’s supports for businesses looking to reduce their energy use and transition to renewable energy. This includes education and training, engagement and financial supports.
Ben Thorburn – Head of Marketing, Wilderness Group
Ben joined the Wilderness Group 12 years ago when it went under the brand of Wilderness Scotland and as a part owner, now leads the Wilderness Group marketing team, responsible for the promotion of their active and nature-based, experiential holidays across their 3 brands and destinations – Wilderness Ireland, Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness England. After a childhood on the west coast of Scotland Ben developed a strong connection with the landscape and nature, thus driving forward growth with a purpose-driven organisation that holds
sustainability as a founding core value is a privilege. He enjoyed time promoting sustainable energy development at Highland and Islands Enterprise, before 5 years at VisitScotland promoting the Highlands and latterly Scotland as a must-visit destination. The Wilderness team has grown from 5 people when he joined to reach 50 this year, as the Wilderness Group post record employment and revenue figures in a bounce-back that puts Covid in the rear view mirror. As an avid skier he has a vested interest in climate change and will share Wilderness Ireland’s journey towards True Net Zero.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benthorburn/
https://twitter.com/benthorburn
Christine Crawford, Uisce Éireann
Christine Crawford in Business Marketing and Communications Lead at Uisce Éireann
Colum Gibson, Clean Technology Centre, Cork
Colum, is an environmental consultant and manager of the Clean Technology Centre (CTC) in Munster Technological University. A chemist in his past life, he has been working in sustainability and waste prevention for over 20 years. Having managed the Stop Food Waste programme on behalf of the EPA for 10 years and now actively involved in the development of national food waste measurement standards for businesses across the supply chain, he is a firm believer that every one of us can have a positive daily impact on our environment through reducing food waste.
James Chilton, KPMG Future Analytics
James, a specialist in destination development, is an Associate Director at KPMG Future Analytics. James has over 20 years’ experience in the UK, New Zealand, Portugal and Georgia. James has worked on major regional and county destination plans, economic & spatial plans, and feasibility studies & funding applications, including the €20.2m Platforms for Growth application for Westport Estate and Gardens. James is currently working on South Dublin Tourism Strategy, Galway Outdoor Museum, and Dublin Destination Experience Development Plan. All of which have common themes of balancing diverse interests, whilst seeking optimum outcomes for local communities and engaging experiences for visitors.
Janie Neumann, VisitScotland
Janie Neumann, VisitScotland’s Sustainable Tourism Manager, plays a key role in VisitScotland’s Responsible Tourism activity, with a focus on the transition to a low-carbon future and supporting Scotland’s NetZero by 2045 targets. She has over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, working to support the delivery of responsible tourism that benefits businesses, provides enriching quality experiences for visitors, enhances the communities it operates in and protects the natural and cultural heritage it depends on.
Jenny De Saulles, Fáilte Ireland
Jenny De Saulles is Director of Sector Development of Fáilte Ireland
Maria O’Connor, Good Hotels
Maria is a consultant, facilitator, coach and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist. She leads on the sustainability and CSR actions at the Good Hotels in the UK where they say ‘Sleep Good Do Good and will be sharing the social sustainability story and powerfully positive impact at their hotel.
Mark Henry, Tourism Ireland
Mark Henry leads the Central Marketing Division of Tourism Ireland (TI). His remit includes strategy, research, brand, content creation, digital platforms, customer engagement and industry partnership. Mark represents Tourism Ireland on the Department’s Sustainable Tourism Working Group, and chairs TI’s internal Sustainability Taskforce. He is also the author of ‘In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100’ which charts the progress that Ireland has made in its first 100 years as an independent nation.
Martina Bromley, Fáílte Ireland
Martina is Head of Enterprise Development at Fáilte Ireland.
Rob Holmes, GLP Films
Rob Holmes | Founder & Chief Strategist of GLP Films, a full-service content marketing agency based in Maine, USA helping destinations reach their sustainability goals using award-winning storytelling, digital media distribution, and communications strategy for destination management. With 30+ years of experience in the sustainable tourism industry, Rob Holmes has spearheaded global strategic marketing campaigns for top-tier destinations, media, brands, & operators. Rob regularly presents at leading industry events, such as WTM London, ITB Berlin, CREST World Tourism Day Forum, and has led workshops on strategic communication and sustainability storytelling in destinations ranging from Croatia, Northern Ireland, Armenia and Sedona, Arizona.
Sara Dolnicar, University of Queensland Australia
Sara Dolnicar is an Austrian behavioural scientist who researches market segmentation methodology, sustainable tourism, Airbnb, public acceptance of recycled water, and a range of social marketing questions, such as how to identify and attract high-quality foster carers.
Simon Woodward
Simon has 35 years experience as a consultant and educator in heritage tourism. He is the former Chair of ICOMOS-UK Cultural Tourism Committee. He is a trustee of two heritage organisations in Northern England and advises the World Bank in Indonesia, and GIZ in Serbia.
Check Out Our Previous Conferences And See How We Inspire Sustainable Action
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2025
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2024
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2022
