Reflecting on EarthCheck's Inner Circle Forum
EarthCheck, a world-renowned sustainable tourism certification organization, and RCI Sustainability Consultants, a domestic and foreign green building certification integration expert, have joined forces to hold the Inner Circle 2024 Forum, inviting experts from all over the world to discuss sustainable tourism, trends, and future development. Through EarthCheck certification, the tourism industry not only can monitor corporate data and enhance its brand value in the international market, but also promote connection and recognition with the global market. This three-day event featured presentations, discussions, and immersive learning experiences, uniting industry leaders, sustainability experts, and policymakers.
Day 1: Fostering Sustainable Growth
The opening day focused on sustainable growth and resilience, highlighting opportunities in decarbonizing industries and businesses.Key discussions included:
Innovative strategies for achieving net-zero emissions, with insights into Ireland's use of sustainability indicators.
Practical examples from industry leaders like Silks Hotel Group and China Airlines.
Case studies on the impact of Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Program and EarthCheck’s initiatives in reducing emissions, saving resources, and enhancing brand reputation.
Speakers underscored the significance of aligning with global climate goals, managing demand effectively, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Lin Hsin-Jen of Taiwan’s Tourism Administration captured the essence of the day, noting that sustainability is no longer optional: “If we don’t do it, it’s wrong.”
Day 2: Unpacking Challenges in Sustainable Tourism
The second day delved into the challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism. Discussions operated under Chatham House Rules to encourage open dialogue, and key themes emerged:
Collaboration and communication are vital to building a network of sustainability advocates.
The balance between luxury travel and environmental responsibility remains a challenge for industry leaders.
Capacity building and training are critical to embedding sustainability within organizations.
EarthCheck’s certification processes support risk management, cost reduction, and environmental impact minimization.
Day 3: Human-Centric Design Masterclass
The forum concluded with a design masterclass led by Tim Kobe, known for his work on Apple Store designs, who emphasized the importance of breaking traditional design patterns to create meaningful connections.
Key highlights included:
Nick Cheng, Chairman of Taiwan Hotel Technology Association, shared key insights into technology trends within the hotel industry in Taiwan, and hosted a lively discussion with international guests and global hotel chain representatives on the challenges and successes of implementing technology within their projects.
The integration of EarthCheck's Building Planning and Design Standard (BPDS) into sustainable tourism, reducing costs and supporting ecosystem resilience.
Case studies such as Xcaret Casa De La Playa and Madison Angsana Dhawa, showcasing successful implementation of the BPDS.
Discussions also explored biodiversity and human-centric design, calling for these principles to shape the future of tourism. The day ended with a collective commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism development.