The inaugural Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (STSE 2018) will take place at the Luang Prabang View Hotel on 14-15 September, to match more than 30 Lao and international sellers of sustainable products and services with the hospitality trade in Luang Prabang and the Mekong region, as well as hold four related symposia.
Gabriel Kuperman, Event Coordinator for STSE 2018, said the expo is the first B2B event in the Mekong region connecting the suppliers of sustainable products and services to an expected 300 buyers from throughout Laos, Thailand, and Hanoi.
“The Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo is the first event of its kind in the region to bring together hospitality businesses and vendors of sustainable products, technology, and services,” Mr Kuperman said.
“It offers the opportunity for local businesses to learn about and purchase sustainable alternatives to traditional tourism and hospitality supplies, such as environmentally-friendly cleaning products and toiletries, plastic-free packaging, locally produced substitutes to imported food and beverages, and handmade gifts and décor,” he explained.
STSE 2018 features two full days of B2B networking, deal-making, and consultations with exhibitors offering the latest in cost-saving products and services for the tourism industry, which are also environmentally friendly and locally responsible.
Buyers will find drinking water filtration systems, biodegradable packaging, energy efficient technology, organic vegetables, and handmade gifts. They can also meet local responsible tour operators and hotels, and learn how to get certified by Travelife.
There are five categories of exhibitors:
1. Eco-Friendly Hospitality Supplies
2. Organic and Local Foods
3. Handmade Products
4. Sustainable Tours and Accommodation
5. Certifications and Initiatives
STSE 2018 also features four symposia on cutting edge and practical approaches to sustainable tourism.
“Attendees will learn ways to communicate responsible practices and tap into traveller preferences, discuss certification and incentive schemes, and talk green investment,” Mr Kuperman said. “Symposia will bring together business practitioners and new thinkers. All sessions are free and open to the public.”
The Friday, 14 September, schedule shows “Saving Money through Sustainability: How eco-friendly practices are better for business” at 13:30 – 15:00, and “Travelife Certification for Hotels: How does it work, and what are the benefits?” at 15:30 – 16:30.
Saturday presents “Why Sustainability Communication Matters: Improving the guest experience,” at 13:30 – 15:00, and “How Can I Help Local Children?: Answering challenging questions from guests,” at 15:30 – 16:30.
STSE 2018 is also taking the expo to the next sustainable step by striving to be a single-use, plastic-free event.
“As the STSE is about minimising negative environmental, social, and economic impacts and maximising long-term benefits to tourism destinations as well as businesses, we are holding an event that is in line with these principles,” Mr Kuperman said.
“We are striving to be a single-use plastic-free expo, thus no exhibitor nametags or lanyards will be produced,” he added. “Booth frames and furniture are either reusable or biodegradable, and printed materials will be kept to a minimum.
Mr Kuperman noted the venue for STSE 2018,the Luang Prabang View Hotel, is a leader in sustainable practices at the UNESCO World Heritage city, and features green roof gardens, a recycling and composting programme, all-natural cleaning products, and minimal plastic waste.
The Luang Prabang View Hotel landed the ASEAN MICE Award at the 21st ATF on 26 January 2018. The honour is presented to venues that comply with stringent ASEAN MICE standards.
Luang Prabang View Hotel is offering a limited number of hotel rooms at a preferential rate for early registrants to STSE 2018. Contact STSE 2018 to access this offer.
For those, who wish to visit the event, go to the STSE 2018 Facebook page.
For more information, visit: https://stse.la.
