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The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) hosted the Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit from May 18 to May 21, 2024, in Singapore. This pioneering event convened representatives from member tour operators, destination marketing organizations, airlines, hotel companies, and other travel providers to exchange valuable insights and best practices for promoting sustainable tourism. The Singapore Tourism Board was the host for the 2024 SIR Summit.
USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale said this year’s summit was just as impactful as the first one. “From engrossing panel discussions to exhilarating outings, this year’s SIR offered a wealth of knowledge and opportunity for networking and learning how to be better stewards in the travel industry,” Dale continued. “The level of commitment from our members to shape and build a better, more responsible travel experience for future generations is truly inspiring. Endless thanks to our generous hosts from the Singapore Tourism Board for sharing how this amazing destination is leading the charge towards a sustainable future for the travel industry.”
“The Singapore Tourism Board, with the support of Singapore Airlines and Destination Asia, is honored to have hosted this year’s SIR Summit and to contribute to USTOA’s mission of fostering a more sustainable tourism industry. Sustainability is a top priority for Singapore, and our active engagement with stakeholders, including local communities and businesses, underscores our commitment to this cause,” said Rachel Loh, Senior Vice President at Singapore Tourism Board, Americas.
Participants gathered at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Hotel, a GSTC-certified property, for key sessions. They engaged with guest speakers from Destination Asia, Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, Gardens by the Bay, Mandai Wildlife Group, and Sentosa Development Corporation, who discussed addressing major environmental and social challenges such as water conservation, waste reduction, climate change, and sustainable place management.
The four-day summit in Singapore also featured forums for discussions and idea-sharing on various topics, including partnerships, goal setting, and strategies. Attendees participated in dynamic breakout sessions and visited local sites that exemplify sustainable practices.
Highlights of the itinerary included an informative tour of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) City Gallery to learn about Singapore’s urban planning and future plans, a visit to Design Orchard where participants designed their own batik bags, an engaging tour in Kampong Gelam to explore Malay heritage, a nature walk at Henderson Waves, and a visit to Sentosa Island, a GSTC-certified destination, where attendees enjoyed friendly competition at HyperDrive, Asia’s first indoor gamified electric go-kart circuit.
During the summit, Dale took the opportunity to announce the location of next year’s SIR Summit which will be held in Valencia, Spain in 2025, saying, “Valencia is an exciting destination for the summit that offers a different landscape, challenges overcome, and solutions from those in Singapore and Norway, hosts of the SIR Summit in prior years. We look forward to hearing and learning so much more from this destination that is growing in popularity among travelers from the U.S.”
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