15 December
Local Date: Dec 14 2024 |
Local Time: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Sònia Figueras, tourismologist and teacher by training, has more than 25 years of experience in education and 20 in tourism. Since 2004, she has worked at the UN Tourism Academy for the UN Tourism Member States, the education and training centers of the UN Tourism TedQual network and the DMOs of the UN Tourism QUEST network. Currently, as Program Manager, she leads and develops new projects of this organization, including the UN Tourism QUEST programmed for Tourism Destination Management Organizations. |
Mr. Francisco José Godoy Imperatore is an agricultural engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, specializing in oenology. With more than 15 years’ experience in the planning and management of public-private institutions, he has worked in different wineries in Chile and abroad. He was general manager of the Casablanca Wine Route, where among other achievements he helped develop the 'Valparaíso-Casablanca Valley' as part of the Great Wine Capitals, a select group of 10 wine capitals worldwide. He currently serves as general manager of the Regional Tourism Corporation of Valparaíso, a position he has held since 2019. Among the most significant challenges that have been faced by the Corporation are: the preparation and implementation of the Valparaiso Strategic Plan for Regional Tourism Development (2021-2025); and obtaining UNWTO QUEST certification as a Destination Management Organization for the Valparaíso Region. |
Expert and consultant in creative tourism. She is the founder and director of the Creative Tourism Network® - www.creativetourismnetwork.org and the Barcelona Creative Tourism program. She is an external consultant for UNESCO, UNOSSC, GIZ, the European Union, the "European Capital of Smart Tourism", IGCAT and Ministries of Tourism and Creative Industries around the world, both as a policy-maker and practitioner. She also collaborates as a trainer on Creative Tourism for UN Tourism Academy programs. She teaches in international universities and spoke in more than hundred conferences around the world. She publishes scientific articles on creative tourism in different languages. |
Christian Arteaga is a distinguished leader in the tourism and hospitality industry, serving as CEO of SmArt Tourism and Hospitality Consulting. With over 27 years in the field, he's significantly expanded tourism consulting services across Latin America and established key partnerships with government and tourism entities. Arteaga's expertise encompasses hotel management, destination development, sustainable tourism, and digital transformation, demonstrating his innovative approach to the industry. He notably represents Green Destinations in Panama and the Dominican Republic, acts as a spokesperson for UN Tourism Academy programs, and under his leadership, SmArt has become an affiliated member of UN Tourism. These roles underline his dedication to sustainable tourism globally. Arteaga's pivotal project, SmArt for Sustainability - S4S, has been recognized at the Awake Tourism Challenge Competition by UN Tourism, emphasizing his impact on promoting sustainable practices. Through SmArt, he has enhanced the tourism sector in Latin America, focusing on sustainability, destination management, and digitalization. Arteaga's involvement as an educator and international speaker showcases his commitment to professional development and innovation in tourism. His strategic vision and dedication to sustainable tourism development mark him as an authoritative figure in responsible tourism practices. |
Dr. Kazem Vafadari is Director of International Center for Asia Pacific Tourism (iCAPt); and Academic Director of the Kunisaki City Research Center for world agriculture heritage in Oita, Japan. He is a Professor and Vice Dean for International Affairs, College of Sustainability and Tourism at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). He worked with United Nations University and Kanazawa University in Japan before joining APU in 2011. He is an expert on sustainable tourism, natural resource management and tourism applications of agriculture heritage landscapes. His research background also includes community building, rural revitalization and destination branding. |
Sonia Figueras Moderator | |
Francisco José Godoy Imperatore Speaker/Panelist | |
Caroline Couret Panelist | |
Christian Arteaga Panelist | |
Kazem Vafadari Conclusion | |