Recap | Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference Chile - Day 2 ????

Welcome to the Day 2 Summary of the Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference!

After an inspiring first day filled with profound discussions and groundbreaking insights into sustainability in tourism, Day 2 continued the fervent exchange of innovative ideas and collaborative strategies. The sessions delved deeper into how sustainable practices can be integrated across diverse tourism models, emphasising community involvement and environmental stewardship.

???? Day 2 Overview

The second day commenced with an anticipatory atmosphere, following the dynamic and engaging opening day. The sessions throughout the day covered a wide array of topics, from local community empowerment to advanced sustainable practices in tourism.

?? Watch the recording of Day 2 Sessions - Morning | Afternoon

Opening Keynote Session

Time & Venue: 8:30 - 10:30 AM, Punta Dúngenes

Moderator: Jana Apih

Keynote Speakers:

• Víctor Róman León , discussed the significant role of integrating sustainability into regional development strategies.
• Mauricio Kusanovic Olate , emphasised the symbiotic relationship between tourism and conservation.
• Andreas Dohle , spoke on the synergy between tourism, renewable energies, and local economic development, highlighting successful projects in Brazil.
• Elissa Keenan , provided insights into the national sustainability efforts in Australia and their global implications, stressing the importance of international cooperation.

The Morning Session

?? “Empowering Local Communities: Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Heritage, and Environmental Stewardship” was moderated by Hugo de Jong , featuring speakers Sebastien Desnoyers , Roman Caamal Coh , Verónica Zambrana Ríos , Ivan Blumenschein , and Araceli Sosa.

• This session highlighted the empowering effect of sustainable tourism on local communities through the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.
• Panelists shared experiences from various regions, providing insights into successful community-driven tourism models that have positively impacted local economies and conserved cultural values.

?? “Alliances for Progress: Certification and Sustainable Tourism Development” was led by moderator Malu Mayorga , with panellists Beth Bauchwitz , Samanta Hilda Calle Ruiz , Grissel González , Stephanie Carmody , and Jose Luis Paredes.

• The discussion focused on the critical role of certification in enhancing the sustainability of tourism projects, exploring how it can be a tool for progress in the tourism industry.
• Speakers discussed examples of partnerships and collaborative efforts that have led to significant advancements in sustainable tourism practices across different regions.

?? “Regenerating Southern Patagonia: Sustainable Transformation for the Future of the Region” was moderated by Josep Capella Hereu , including panellists Fiorella Repetto Giavelli , Timothy Dhalleine , Bernardita Ortiz Landaeta , MARíA RAFAELA RETAMAL DIAZ , and John O.

• This session explored innovative sustainable development strategies in Southern Patagonia, focusing on how tourism can act as a catalyst for ecological and social regeneration.
• The panel provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing efforts in the region, from new conservation methodologies to community engagement in sustainable practices, showcasing how these initiatives are shaping a sustainable future for Southern Patagonia.

The Afternoon Session

?? “Innovative Approaches: Responsible Tourism in Latin America” was moderated by Felipe Omar Vera Soto , and featured speakers Vanessa Angulo Yaranga , Catalina Oteíza Araya , and Laura Durana Posada .

• The panel discussed innovative strategies for responsible tourism in Latin America, highlighting the integration of sustainability into regional tourism practices.
• The speakers shared case studies demonstrating how innovative approaches have been successfully implemented in various Latin American countries, enhancing both local community welfare and environmental conservation.

?? “Sustainability in Focus: Chilean Destinations Advancing in Green Tourism” was led by Elisabeth Boon , with panellists Francisco Roncagliolo, Ignacio José Carrasco Moreno , Cristian Zavala, Franco Rojas Carre?o , and Luis Eduardo Molina .

• This session focused on the progress of specific Chilean destinations in adopting green tourism practices, emphasising the importance of sustainability in tourism development.
• Discussions detailed the practical applications and outcomes of sustainable initiatives, showing how these efforts have contributed to regional growth and the preservation of natural and cultural assets.

?? “Collaboration for a Sustainable Future: Innovative Energy Solutions and Partnerships” was moderated by Beatriz Barreal , including panellists Javier Silva Müller , Marco Larson Bosco , and Ivan Torres Estrada .

• The focus was on the role of collaboration and innovative energy solutions in driving sustainable tourism practices, particularly how public-private partnerships can facilitate sustainable development.
• The panellists presented examples of energy innovations and collaborative projects that have led to significant environmental and economic benefits, underlining the potential for sustainable energy solutions to transform the tourism sector.

GD2024 End-of-Conference Party

The Green Destinations 2024 Global Conference concluded with a spectacular end-of-conference party, which took place at a beautifully appointed venue, setting the perfect atmosphere to celebrate the culmination of an inspiring event. The evening was vibrant, filled with the energy and enthusiasm of attendees who gathered to celebrate the achievements and connections made during the conference.

Top 3 Takeaways from Day 2

• Empowerment Through Sustainable Tourism Models: A significant insight from Day 2 was the demonstrated impact of sustainable tourism on empowering local communities. Discussions revealed how sustainable tourism models are crucial for enhancing community capacity, providing economic opportunities, and preserving cultural and environmental assets. The sessions illustrated that when communities are actively involved and benefit from tourism, they become staunch advocates and stewards of sustainable development.
• Critical Role of Certification in Sustainability: The discussions on the second day underscored the importance of certification systems in promoting and measuring the sustainability of tourism practices. Certification acts as a tool to standardise sustainable practices across the industry, offering benchmarks that help tourism operators improve their environmental, economic, and social impacts. These systems encourage transparency and also build trust among consumers seeking responsible travel options.
• Innovative Solutions for Regional Sustainability Challenges: Day 2 highlighted the innovative approaches being adopted to address specific regional challenges in sustainable tourism. Whether through the development of new green technologies, the implementation of integrated waste management systems, or conservation efforts tailored to local ecosystems, the adaptability of solutions to regional contexts was evident. These innovations are vital for the scalability of sustainability efforts across different geographical and cultural landscapes.

Call to Action

Let’s keep the conversation going around sustainable tourism. As we conclude this year’s Green Destinations Conference, we invite each of you to continue advocating for and implementing sustainable practices in your destinations, businesses, and communities. Let’s stand together for this common cause of enhancing sustainability wherever we operate. Your ongoing engagement and commitment are vital to creating a positive impact on a global scale. Until we meet again at the next GD event, stay tuned for more updates and continue to be part of this transformative journey towards a more sustainable world.