Alexandria, Egypt a city known for its historic charm and cultural significance, took center stage as a global leader in sustainable tourism with the successful hosting of the International Forum of Sustainable Tourism and Innovation (IFSTI) in its 2nd version. This landmark event, organized by ICOM Group in collaboration with the Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management, Pharos University, brought together thought leaders, experts, and innovators to address the challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism and events management.
Held on December 9th, 2024, the IFSTI emerged as a leading forum, exploring critical issues like green initiatives, climate change mitigation, and the integration of digital technologies within the Tourism, Events Management, and MICE sectors. Featuring over 250 diverse speakers and panelists, the forum showcased forward-thinking solutions. By centering on Alexandria, the event positioned the city as a model for seamlessly blending its rich historical legacy with modern sustainability practices.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The IFSTI’s agenda was carefully curated to create an environment of collaboration and actionable insights. By bringing together governments, ministries, industry leaders, and academia, the forum bridged gaps and fostered meaningful discussions on sustainable tourism strategies. Topics explored covered:
- Sustainable Tourism in the Digital Age
- Digital marketing strategies for promoting eco-tourism
- The role of government in advancing sustainability initiatives
- Building climate resilience in the tourism, events planning, and MICE sectors
- Collaborative Events Partnerships Amplifying Success Through Strategic Alliances
Beyond the discussions, the event featured interactive sessions and workshops, offering hands-on experiences in sustainable practices. Attendees were inspired not only by the content but by Alexandria’s own transformation into a hub of sustainability.
Testimonials from the Visionaries
The forum would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of the individuals who brought it to life. Their reflections speak out loud about the success of IFSTI and its lasting impact:
Waleed Menessi, Chief Operations Officer (COO), ICOM Group stated "The IFSTI was a platform for thought leadership, where we shared and implemented solutions for environmentally conscious event management. It highlighted ICOM Group's role in shaping the future of sustainable practices in the Events Management Industry".
Sherine Kamal, Chief Human Resources, ICOM Group added "The IFSTI’s collaboration with students and employees went beyond event execution—it was an investment in building the future of sustainable tourism professionals”.
Marwa Emam, Marketing & PR Deputy Director, ICOM Group highlighted Our vision was to position Alexandria as a leading sustainable destination for international and regional conferences and events, fostering impactful dialogue among industry leaders. Seeing this vision take shape has been immensely rewarding".
Alexandria: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
The success of the IFSTI is an evidence to Alexandria’s ability to lead the way in sustainable tourism. The city served as more than just a venue; it was an example of how history, innovation, and sustainability can intersect to create a brighter future. With initiatives like the IFSTI, Alexandria continues to shine as a global hub for sustainable tourism and innovation, inspiring other destinations to follow suit.
As we look ahead, the outcomes of this forum will undoubtedly ripple across the tourism industry, shaping policies, practices, and mindsets toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. IFSTI has set the bar high, proving that impactful change begins with meaningful collaboration.
Dr. Ahmed El Shal, ICOM Group Chairman quoted "I had the privilege of leading a session on 'Collaborative Event Partnerships: Amplifying Success Through Strategic Alliances'. The forum provided a unique platform to highlight how partnerships between stakeholders can drive sustainable business on all sectors. By aligning goals and leveraging shared resources, we can create events that not only succeed in execution but also leave a lasting positive impact on the environment and our communities at large. The IFSTI exemplified the power of collaboration, and I am honored to have been part of this transformative experience".
