SHARE | The Magazine of Eco Resort Network | Issue 01

S H R E

WELCOME

The warmest of welcomes to our first issue of SHARE magazine and to Eco Resort Network 2023 in Montenegro. It feels simply incredible to be hosting a second networking event and we are very grateful to everyone who has made the journey to join us for this special three days in this fascinating country.

We wouldn’t be here without Goran Brnovic, who insisted that we should bring the event to his beloved country and who has been an amazing support. We would also like to thank our main sponsors Tenthouse Structures, who have been a pleasure to work with, as have the Montenegro Tourist Board and those of Herceg Novi and Podgorica.

There is such a wealth of talent and experience within these pages and at this event. We are at a unique point in time where we can easily recognise the constellation of names driving impactful sustainable luxury hospitality at a global level and we are lucky that a good number of them are right here. But the movement is thankfully growing and new stars are emerging and doing fantastic work. I have never come across a more collaborative or generous group of people than those involved in the creation and operation of eco resorts. We called this publication SHARE because this is what we will be doing as a group during the next few days and because it sums up the ethos of how we wish to ensure the beauty of our planet can be enjoyed by all.

Steph Curtis-Raleigh, Maja Dimnik and the Eco Resort Network Team

AGENDA

TUESDAY 23 MAY

18:30 Welcome Reception

At Wine O’Clock next to Lazure Hotel and Marina, overlooking the marina with drinks and canapés. Meet the other delegates and speakers and enjoy your first impressions of beautiful Montenegro. To find Wine O’ Clock - simply head out of the hotel and face the sea, then turn right and look for a building with a terrace on the first floor.

WEDNESDAY 24 MAY

09:00

Conference room opens

09:30

Welcome from the organisers and our sponsors

09:45 Keynote: Bill Bensley

Should Hotels Become the Churches of the Future? The world-renowned architect and author of Sensible Sustainable Solutions will discuss many of their projects, and enriching guest stays by sending the right messages of environmental respect and education

10:30 Keynote: Robyn Woodhead

Adventure, Extremes and Sustainability – the thrill and challenge of operating sustainably in the most remote location on the planet.

11:15 – 11:45 Coffee Break

11:45 Brendan O’Molony

The Future is Lightweight – the Founder & CEO of Tenthouse Structures on high performance textile structures, made for the wild

12:15 Panel: Green Certification – What can you and your guests take seriously? What really counts and what is just greenwash? With David Leventhal & Todd WynneParry

12:45 Prof. Dr Willy Legrand How does hospitality navigate climate change and risk?

13:15 – 14:30 Lunch

14.30 Maja Dimnik

Creating a platform for excellence

15.00-15.30 Panel: Regeneration, Transformation and Rethinking the Hospitality Model with Flaviu Rus of Zūnya, an experience driven hospitality ecosystem and Eileen Meyer of CoCoN Holistic Architecture Concept

15.30-16.00 Coffee Break

16:00 Michael Sagild (Cloud Collective) & Tom Butterfield (Eco Structures)

Born Out of an Ambition for Change – how commerce & conservation can work together

16:30 Marcin Dabrowski

How to build your eco resort business with a wellness experience

17:15 Conference close Evening

Delegates meet at 18:30 for a dinner cruise (duration: approx. 3 hours)

AGENDA

THURSDAY 25 MAY

09:15

Conference room opens

09:45 Keynote: Sarah Dusek

Inspiring Change and Driving Impact – how imagination and perseverance are the foundations of success

10:30 Keynote: Luca Franco Legacy for Growth and Impact

11:15 – 11:45 Coffee Break

11:45 Chris Nader

Scaling a Global Ecolodge Brand – what it takes to create an international portfolio and build operating capabilities. What are the main milestones since the launch of ENVI and what does the next 24 months look like for the brand?

12:15 Kristina Zanic

Journey of Design and Discovery - not only about the guest experience in two ecolodges we’re designing, but also our own design journeys

12:45 Sam-Erik Ruttman and Willem van Bolderen

Architects Striving for Wellbeing – how can the buildings we stay in make us feel better about ourselves and the world?

13:15 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 SUPPLIER PRESENTATIONS

14:30 Tenthouse Structures

14:45 Zlatko Pankov (My Glamping by Paneks)

15:00 Jorge Saura (Tubbo Experience)

15:15 Robert Klun (Green Star Luxury)

15.30 Sander Jacob (Creative Structures/Crossover Lodge).

15.45 Kelda Bassett (TruDomes)

16.00 Todd Wynne-Parry (Horwath HTL)

16.15 Panel: The Thrill of Something New – Giving Guests an Adventure

With Louis Thompson, Founder of Nomadic Resorts & Nomadic Escapes, and Marc Myers, Hospitality and Project Director at EXTREME Destinations

16:45 Conclusions – resolutions

17:00 Conference closes

19:30

Delegates travel to Herceg Novi Old Town for drinks reception and dinner

21:00

Delegates can choose to return to Lazure Hotel or continue to explore Old Town

AGENDA

FRIDAY 26 MAY

09:00

Delegates depart by coach from Herceg Novi to Oblun Eco Resort

12:00 – 14:00

Lunch at Oblun Eco Resort

In the Podgorica region, Oblun Eco resort is currently under development. The owner of the resort, Goran Brnovic, will conduct a tour and explain his vision for this eco resort – which will occupy seven distinct areas of land and include a restaurant, zip wires, spa, wellness and more.

14:30 – 17:00

Boat trip on Skadar Lake

17:00 – 20:00

Dinner at restaurant Jezero „Plantaze“

20:00

Transfer from Vranjina to Herceg Novi

OBLUN: A STORY OF HOME

GORAN BRNOVIC ATTENDED LAST YEAR’S ECO RESORT NETWORK AND INVITED US TO ALL TO MONTENEGRO TO SEE THE POTENTIAL AND BEAUTY OF HIS COUNTRY AND VISIT OBLUN – THE RESORT HE IS BUILDING. ON FRIDAY 26TH MAY, WE WILL TRAVEL TO THE PODGORICA REGION TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF OBLUN, WHICH OVERLOOKS THE SKADAR LAKE NATIONAL PARK. WE SPOKE TO GORAN TO FIND OUT MORE.

Q:How did you become involved with the idea of creating an eco resort?

Goran: In creating an eco resort I hope to promote and preserve the unspoiled beauty of Montenegro. I feel it was both a responsible and emotional decision for me, as while I want to introduce a new and sustainable concept to the eco tourism industry in Montenegro, this project is also a way for me to personally reconnect with my home land. It’s been almost 30 years since I left my country, and during that time, I have felt a sense of responsibility to return and care for the land which I so profoundly love. Currently, there are so many instances where nature is wrongfully exploited, and to prevent this from continuing, I instead thrive to restore people’s relationship with nature and promote a sustainable lifestyle by showcasing the

beauty of a country that I adore, while preserving its pristine environment. I’ve developed a story and an idea for eco resorts across seven different locations, and I’m gradually bringing my project to life.

Q:What is the meaning of the name and the significance of the land for you?

Goran: Oblun is the name of the village in which I grew up, where I can find the roots of my familial heritage and where my eco resort is located. The name’s significance not only relates to the physical location, but to me also represents the cultural and environmental heritage of the land. I have seen the great potential of the land and it inspired me to create a sustainable and responsible tourism model that promotes the natural beauty of Montenegro.

Q: What will the resort offer to guests?

Goran: At Oblun Eco Resort, guests can expect a serene and immersive experience in nature, offering unique and unforgettable moments. We provide a tranquil environment where guests can unwind in one of our accommodation units, as well as rent a parking space for their RVs, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Montenegro. Our resort also offers delicious local cuisine, providing an authentic taste of the region. In addition to the peaceful ambiance, guests will have access to a range of activities that allow them to connect with nature, such as hiking and wildlife watching. It’s an opportunity for guests to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature and themselves.

Q:How far have you got with constructing the resort?

Goran: We have completed Stage 1 of the resort’s construction, which involved groundwork, establishing the operational structure, and setting up necessary amenities. This has laid the foundation for our eco resort and provided the infrastructure to create a sustainable and responsible tourism experience for our guests.

Q:How useful did you find the last year’s Eco Resort Network event?

Goran: The last year’s Eco Resort Network event was truly eye-opening for me. It provided me with valuable opportunities to connect and network with other likeminded individuals and organizations who are working

towards similar goals in the field of sustainable tourism. The event allowed me to gain insights, share ideas, and learn from the experiences of others in the industry. It was a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, which has been instrumental in shaping my approach towards creating an eco resort that aligns with global sustainability standards.

Q:What do you hope to show the delegates during their tour of your resort?

Goran: During the delegates’ tour of Oblun Eco Resort, my aim is to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Montenegro and the potential and opportunities that the region offers for sustainable tourism. I want to highlight our commitment to preserving the pristine environment and rich cultural heritage of the land. The tour will provide an immersive experience, allowing delegates to connect with nature, learn about the local community and culture, and witness our sustainable practices in action. I hope to inspire and educate the delegates about the importance of responsible tourism and the positive impact it can have on both the environment and the local community.

Q: What is your timeframe for future development?

Goran: Although I have plans for eco resorts at seven different locations, my immediate focus is on completing the stage 1. I have no ambition to develop all 7 locations by myself, but, I am more than open to cooperate with investors who are ready to enter eco tourism, with companies that have a developed system and are ready to transfer their knowledge and experience to one of the 7 locations.

BILL BENSLEY

FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF BENSLEY

Bill Bensley is world-renowned for his outstanding, unique and inspiring award-winning hotel, landscape and interior designs and eye-catching architecture. He is also a concerned conservationist and passionate philanthropist.

Bill’s philosophy is, “besides having as much fun as possible, to help the needy, to educate, help animals and help the planet via conservation”. Bill has seamlessly and brilliantly combined his passions to benefit the environments and communities in which he has created his incredible projects.

Affectionately known as the “Willy Wonka of Design”, Bill is a highly qualified jack of all trades –gardener, fisherman, architect, interior designer, painter, lover of all things natural, and, most of all, a wide-ranging explorer of as many corners of the earth as he can.

In 2020, Bill shared the culmination of his life’s work to date in a free-open source white paper, Sensible Sustainable Solutions for hotel designers, owners and operators to design better hotels, fight climate change and generally make the world a better place. The paper covers three core pillars; to build with a purpose, think locally and sustainably and build sensibly in terms of building materials and energy conservation.

In 2019, after COVID paused his extensive travel schedule, Bill made a wonderful new journey developing his love of painting. Not a traditionally trained artist, Bill considers himself an “Outsider” artist. In fact, he picked up this passion just recently, practicing wherever he went – airplanes, site visits, on the back of menus… This escalated in 2020 when Bill went from travelling 40 weeks a year to 0! He now paints most weekends and recently opened his BENSLEY Outsider Gallery in Bangkok, currently home to some 80+ artworks. These revolve around Environmentalism, Pestilence, Racism, and the idiosyncratic behaviours of swinging the other way.

His artwork is unapologetically colourful, often humorous and at times provocative – but always connects back to those core pillars. All proceeds, both for prints and original paintings, go to the Shinta Mani Foundation and Wildlife Alliance, two causes very close to Bill’s heart.

ROBYN WOODHEAD

CO–FOUNDER OF WHITE DESERT ANTARCTICA

After an expedition to Antarctica in 2006, Robyn then turned her attention to the other end of the planet and skied to the North Pole, becoming the first South African to reach both the North and South Pole. Later that year, she set up White Desert with her husband Patrick, a fellow polar explorer and now divides her time between London, Cape Town and Antarctica.

The business is the perfect way to combine her marketing, sustainability and management acumen with her experience of the polar regions.

“The vision for White Desert started on an expedition in 2006, when I was stuck on my own in a tent in the coldest place on earth, for two months,” explains Robyn. “I had lots of time to think, and I wondered why only scientists and the odd polar explorer ever got to see the real Antarctica. By that I meant the interior of the continent. I knew that thousands of people went on the cruise ships that patrolled the periphery, but that the interior was almost untouched. I had already found it to be such a surreal and inspiring place – surely others should be able to do the same?”

“The other aspect was that it had to be environmentally sound. With 24 hours of sunshine, it was obvious that solar power would need to be incorporated from the outset.

Now White Desert is a reality. We have taken hundreds of clients to experience this forbidding and rarely seen interior and, despite all the challenges, it remains an incredible privilege to visit!”

White Desert now operates three separate luxury camps and is the only company in the world to fly business jets to Antarctica and the only air operator on the entire continent to be fully CarbonNeutral® (since 2007). “We delivered the first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Antarctica for our 2021/22 operations. We aim to continue that transition to cleaner fuel over time,” says Robyn. ‘I have also tried to be a positive influence on the entire continent’s Climate Change legacy. I have served as Chair of IAATO’s Executive Committee in 2022, a big part of that role, was to create and implement a toolkit and strategy for achieving specific carbon reduction pledge for all, we achieved this unanimously.’

‘I am going to talk about how businesses with sustainability at their core, have also been proven to be more successful. When management can combine true purpose, inspiration and focus, it shows on the bottom line and makes the product more desirable to today’s discerning traveller.’

Keynote 10.30am Wednesday 24th May:

BRENDAN O’MOLONY

FOUNDER & CEO OF TENTHOUSE STRUCTURES

Brendan’s passion for designing and engineering eco-dwellings is surpassed only by his love for travel.

As the founder and CEO of Tenthouse Structures, Brendan and his 40+ strong team of dedicated and highly skilled tent-tensile architects, engineers, technicians, and lightweight building specialists have steadily crafted the Tenthouse Structures brand into being recognized as one of the most innovative, full service, tent architecture and technical design firms in the market.

Raised in South Africa and with over 26 years of hands-on experience, Brendan has been deeply involved in creating several iconic and multi-award-winning luxury, tented lodges and architectural fabric structures in some of the world’s most remote wilderness locations.

With his extensive experience and an uncompromising passion for detail, Brendan has recently completed his Master of Engineering in Membrane Lightweight Structures at the University of Krems en Donau in Austria. Ultimately allowing him to take his vision for innovative environmental design and seamlessly integrate it with guest experiences that are deeply embedded in nature.

Through this vision, Brendan and the Tenthouse Team help bridge the gap between extraordinary design concepts and their low-impact environmental execution while still delivering on rigorous international quality standards and local building codes.

ABOUT TENTHOUSE STRUCTURES

Headquartered in South Africa with an international sales & marketing office in Singapore and a global supply chain, Tenthouse Structures has developed over 60 international properties in Africa, the USA, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

Some of their most prestigious, award winning projects include Camp Sarika (Amangiri), Mombo and Little Mombo, Botswana (Wilderness Safaris), Royal Tent Palazzos, Qatar and Morocco (private client), Xigera, Botswana (Red Carnation Hotels), Noka Lapala, South Africa (Lepogo lodges), Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia (African Bush Camps), Duma Tau camp (Wilderness Safaris).

For more information, visit www.tenthousestructures.com

Speaker: Wednesday 24 May at 11.45am and Supplier Presentation: Thursday 25 May at 2.30pm

SARAH DUSEK

CO-FOUNDER OF UNDER CANVAS ® AND ENYGMA VENTURES AND CO-CREATOR OF THE QUIVER TREE FUND

Sarah sold Under Canvas in 2018 and went on to found Enygma Ventures, a Venture Capital Fund investing in female founders and entrepreneurs in Southern Africa, and is now pioneering her new eco-lodging investment vehicle Quiver Tree Collection.

Sarah used the Slovenia 2022 Eco Resort Network event to announce her $600m Quiver Tree investment fund which she and her husband Jacob set up to acquire and launch glamping/eco resort destinations around the world, with the intention of driving environmental impact and social responsibility.

“Our vision is to empower the outdoor hospitality industry to protect wild spaces by launching the largest fund of its kind,” she says.

“We are hoping to deploy over US$600m over the next three years with the vision to increase that capital to a billion dollars by the end of next year. I really believe the capital markets need to see that we can drive significant financial return as well as environmental and social impact in this space and that we can act with a long-term vision in mind. Quiver Tree will be the biggest fund of its kind and will invest in, acquire and develop outdoor hospitality concepts around the world with the focus on utilising that investment to really impact biodiversity, conservation, protecting wild spaces, rewilding spaces to increase habitat.”

Sarah continues, “I am looking forward to joining Maja, Steph and the delegates in Montenegro in 2023 and talking about the progress we are making with the fund and the kind of investments that we are looking to make.”

Keynote: Thursday 25 May 9.45am: Inspiring Change and Driving Impact – how imagination and perseverance are the foundations of success

LUCA FRANCO

FOUNDER OF LUXURY FRONTIERS

Luxury Frontiers is an iconic San Francisco/Johannesburg-based international firm specializing in creating and designing immersive and sustainable hospitality offerings located in remote destinations all over the globe.

Drawing on his passion for transformational travel, re-wilding, and adventure travel, Franco founded Luxury Frontiers in 2011 and has since grown the firm with a multicultural team of designers, architects, and adventure travel experts.

Luxury Frontiers pioneers sustainable resorts, upmarket tented camps, eco lodges, treetop suites, and other rare and iconic hospitality structures to facilitate immersive guest experiences inspired by an authentic sense of place and purposeful responsibility to the planet and local communities.

Sustainability, conservation, and social responsibility comprise the core of Luxury Frontiers’ design philosophy. Typically building in ecologically sensitive areas, the company understands luxury not as a product but as an experience, creating authentic settings and structures that engage with the natural environment.

The firm has planned and designed luxury tented projects and nature-immersed resorts for leading hospitality brands such as Aman, Belmond, Four Seasons, Abercrombie & Kent, Wilderness Safaris, and Ritz-Carlton.

Franco’s pioneering approach fuses a sustainable design philosophy with adventure tourism. Many Luxury Frontiers projects include diverse programming related to the surrounding environment, with activities and experiences undertaken in remote or non-traditional destinations. The immersive soft adventure experiences curated by Luxury Frontiers don’t require any special qualifications from the traveler, just a desire for an unusual or off-the-beaten-path experience. Franco’s vision of travel merges the consumer demand for personal fulfillment and self-improvement with a sustainable understanding of the built form and how this structure engages with nature.

Along with his work with Luxury Frontiers, Franco was an owner of Luxury Leisure Properties International LLP, an advisory and management company that delivered turnkey property management to developers and investors in luxury mixeduse hotels and resorts. In operation from 2008-2015, LLPI contributed significantly to the success of Exclusive Resorts, Private Escapes, and Destination Club Partners International throughout Europe and the Americas.

Over the years, Franco has worked on projects with hospitality leaders such as Bulgari Resorts, Auberge Resorts, Hyatt, The Stein Hotels, Icehotel, Ferragamo, Marriott Vacation Club International, Interval International, and RCI. He was also an equity partner with Strategic Hotels and Resorts on mixed-use projects and served as an architect for Icehotel, Sweden.

Keynote: 10.30am Thursday 25 May: Legacy for Growth and Impact

DR. WILLY LEGRAND

PROFESSOR AT THE IU UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, AUTHOR & EDITOR

Dr. Willy Legrand is a Professor at the IU International University of Applied Sciences in Germany, with a specialisation in sustainable hospitality development and management.

Over the past two decades, he has established over two dozen undergraduate and graduate courses on sustainable development in business and hospitality management in Europe, South and North America, the Middle East and Asia. He is the lead author of Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: Principles of Sustainable Operations [4th ed, 2022] and of Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality [2023].

Professor Legrand chairs the Hospitality Net World Panel on Sustainability in Hospitality with the aim to get sustainability anchored more than ever into the business conversation and decision-making. Finally, Professor Legrand is also the coeditor of the Journal of Global Responsibility.

In his free time, Willy also practices urban gardening with seasonal veggies and fruits – as well as being an avid cyclist touring his local hotspots or multiple days across mountains, fields and along rivers (and stopping along the way to go rock climbing/bouldering whenever possible).

Willy has co-edited a new book Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality, published by Routledge.

Speaker: 12.45pm Wednesday 24 May: How does hospitality navigate climate change and risk?

GORAN BRNOVIC

CEO & FOUNDER, OBLUN ECO RESORT

It makes family, land and history more important than ever but sometimes it also brings a slower pace of change. Montenegro is a country which continues to fight political forces that threaten its independence – as the name suggests, it is a land of mountains – where its tough people defended their territory and struggled to grow their crops. Now, the world is talking about this hidden gem, with its astounding beauty and Montenegro’s tourism is the next big thing.

Goran is a family man, who works alongside his siblings and their children in a number of successful businesses. In Montenegro, the family runs flower shops and furniture shops. In London, Goran runs a café/restaurant.

His heart is in Montenegro – specifically it is in some pockets of land overlooking the breathtaking Skadar lake near the capital of Podgorica.

These seven pieces of land, which have belonged to the family for generations, have now been acquired by Goran to create Oblun Eco Resort – which is a vision incorporating high-end glamping style accommodation, camping, wellness, a restaurant, wine cellar, and more.

“Family is the most important thing in my life,” says Goran. “I love working with my family and sharing a vision and the success that comes from hard work. The land that I acquired is land I have known my whole life and I asked my siblings if they would mind if I used it for this purpose. I could see the potential of the area which is close to our capital Podgorica and overlooks Skadar Lake, which is a National Park. I wanted to share this unique experience with others and that is why I am creating Oblun.”

Thanks to the Podgorica Tourist Board, delegates attending the Eco Resort Network 2023 will get the incredible opportunity to tour Oblun Eco Resort on Friday 26 May, take a boat trip on Skadar Lake (home to many species of wild birds, including pelicans) and enjoy dinner overlooking the lake.

KRISTINA ZANIC

FOUNDER & CEO OF KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

Kristina has built a successful career over three decades as an international designer with projects in over 20 countries.

After starting an interior design company at age 26 and growing it to a multinational firm over 15 years, Kristina then took on a new challenge and set up her eponymous design studio offering a personalised service to clients.

Ten years on, the studio has grown to four offices and 180 staff and won numerous design awards – including #1 interior design firm in the Middle East in 2022, with Kristina herself also earning the title of #1 Designer.

From luxury hotels, resorts, and restaurants, to VIP residences, public spaces and corporate offices, Kristina and her team of designers are involved in a wide range of projects in various parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and Middle East.

They particularly enjoy the opportunity to design for projects in unique natural settings, where they get to celebrate nature through design and make it the focal point of the visitor experience.

“Designing for ecotourism and glamping sites is something we really enjoy,” Kristina says. “We have long experience in designing luxury hospitality spaces, but there’s always a new challenge in creating that same level of indulgence and comfort for guests while simultaneously allowing them to engage with the environment around them.”

Kristina and her team have designed the award-winning interiors for Ritz Carlton’s Al Hamra and Al Wadi resorts – two luxury retreats that embrace the UAE’s local desert environment and are inspired by Bedouin living.

The studio has also designed two luxury island resorts in the Red Sea off the Saudi coast, with architecture by Kengo Kuma and Foster + Partners, that are set to open in 2023 and 2024. In addition, the team has designed the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge situated in Kenya’s awe-inspiring wildlife reserve, as well as a beachfront resort within a UNESCO-listed nature reserve in Qatar.

Kristina’s work is inspired by a passion for travel and exploring different cultures. She has been to over 70 countries, often seeking places off the beaten track.

Kristina will share her insights at Eco Resort Network on working on luxury experiential hospitality projects in the Middle East.

Speaker: Thursday 25 May – 12.15pm: A Journey of Design and Discovery

CHRIS NADER

CO-FOUNDER & CEO OF ENVI LODGES

Chris is the Co-Founder & CEO of ENVI Lodges, the first luxury ecolodge brand and management company to launch from the Middle East, with the backing of investors from Europe and the Arabian Peninsula.

Chris began his career in hospitality at a very young age. He was born into a family of hoteliers and started “working” at the family-owned Yacht Club when he was 10. Subsequently, he gained valuable experience in food and beverage at several trendy restaurants and beach clubs in Lebanon. After an MBA at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in 2008, Chris joined the team that launched Shaza Hotels in Geneva, and was later promoted to Vice President, in charge of global development. He then took on the role of Vice-President Development for Kempinski Hotels, covering Africa and the Middle East.

The company has already secured several projects which are under development in the Middle East, Africa, and South America. ENVI specialises in low-impact alternative accommodation immersed in nature, based on the principles of regenerative tourism, and thus adhering to high standards of sustainability.

This contributed to ENVI quickly becoming a leading company in the space of responsible tourism and allowed the company to win the 2021 Transformational Business of the Year award in Dubai. Chris and his business partner Noelle were also named amongst the top 50 most influential hoteliers in the Middle East for two consecutive years and are regularly invited to speak at various industry conferences and hospitality podcasts.

Speaker: Thursday 25 May 11.45am: Scaling a Global Ecolodge Brand – what it takes to create an international portfolio and build operating capabilities.

MAJA DIMNIK

FOUNDER AND CEO OF WORLD OF GLAMPING

Maja is the founder and CEO of World of Glamping, an established luxury outdoor hospitality platform of premium experiential lodgings in highly desirable locations – the finest tented camps and eco-lodges in the world. The platform presents eco-conscious accommodations, creating a new standard of sustainable luxury tourism and immersive experiences.

Maja is an experiential lodging specialist, advisor and consultant helping worldwide outdoor projects during their development and planning stages, to set up and run their sites successfully and become globally recognised. During the pandemic she joined forces with Steph Curtis-Raleigh of International Glamping Business as a co-organiser of Eco Resort Network.

Over the years, she has helped several experiential lodging projects to establish their businesses and coordinate their openings. Maja has also managed several of the best luxury glamping sites in Europe, including the award-winning Garden Village Bled. She has worked with several outdoor hospitality companies in an advisory basis.

Before setling in the experiential travel segment, she has worked over 15 years in travel agencies. Before that, she was a tennis and gym trainer, has a licence to teach skiing and has tried sky diving and diving. Since becoming a mum of her two boys, she has become more calm and enjoys hiking (and non dangerous things!) and walking her Australian shepherd.

At the event, Maja will be talking about what World of Glamping represents, what is new for the brand, more about the sustainability program and, most importantly, she will be revealing the new name of her rebranded World of Glamping.

Speaker: 2.30pm on Thursday 25 May: Creating a Platform for Excellence

TOM BUTTERFIELD

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT ECO STRUCTURES

Tom joined the Eco Structures team as the Sales and Business Development Manager in 2012, he quickly became immersed in the $3.3 billion global glamping trend that was rapidly gaining traction around the globe.

Over the past decade, Tom has helped take an Australian company to the international marketplace. Implementing international sales strategies by successfully deploying and training global dealers, launching new product lines and successfully delivered over 100 projects nationally and internationally totalling over $70M in sales.

Now with over a decade of glamping industry experience behind him, Tom offers international experience across marketing, product development, business development and sales.

With innovation in his nature, Tom has a unique knack for drilling into the ‘sole purpose’ of the tourism concept with efficiency and profitability in mind. He focuses on helping clients deliver unique experiential accommodation with low capital costs that feed the modern traveller’s yearning for authentic experiences.

When he is not working, he enjoys icy cold beer, being on the water – boating or diving – and travelling.

Fireside chat: 4pm Wednesday 24 May: Born Out of an Ambition for Change – how commerce & conservation can work together

DOTT. ARCH.

EILEEN MEYER

HOLISTIC ARCHITECT/FOUNDER OF COCON BY EILEEN MEYER

After studying art history and archaeology in Würzburg, she fulfilled her childhood dream and became an architect in Venice.

Besides being an architect at heart, she is also an expert in Near Zero Energy Buildings and was co-founder of Active House Italy. This background keeps her “looking for new building solutions that reflect the sustainability of buildings and a social approach in the design of living spaces” (AHA Jury ‘17). Until 2022, she represented the German Aktiv Plus eV in the international Active House Alliance BOD (Brussels).

As topics such as art, design and the diversity of cultural backgrounds are among her fundamental tools in planning sustainable and comfortable living spaces, she accompanies builders on their adventurous journey in Italy.

A stay in Southeast Asia and the experience as a holistic trainer helped her to have a new view of habitats, so that the meaning of “Holistic” has penetrated all her areas of life and filled her with new knowledge about the relationship between man, soul, nature and the many forms of ‘habitat’. The awareness that in all matter there is energy, which resonates with our behavior and health, has led her to a new way of looking at architecture.

Thus, today she is concerned with the realization of holistic living spaces that allows people to be in harmonious vibration with themselves and their environment, reinterpreting the quality of the space in which they move from a physical and energetic point of view. She loves connecting people and taking them to a new dimension in their sense of quality of life and architecture.

Holistic living oases of cultural exchange are her heart themes today. Painting, dancing, hiking, yoga and meditation are her soul language.

Panel: Wednesday 24 May at 3pm: Regeneration, Transformation and Rethinking the Hospitality Model

ROBERT KLUN

ARCHITECT AND PRESIDENT OF ROBERT KLUN ARCHITECTS, MAGNET DESIGN D.O.O. AND GREEN STAR LUXURY

He is a specialist in the field of designing smart solutions with a strong sense of identity and won the architectural tender to create the sustainable Slovenia Pavilion at the EXPO2020 in Dubai. Klun is also a CEO in his family’s furniture and architecture company Klun Ambienti and he has established his Magnet Design concept stores in Slovenia and Serbia with plan to expand.

“Green Star is an innovative multidisciplinary team of experts from the textile and wood industry, construction, sailing, and modern design. We have joined our areas of expertise and offer unique solutions in the area of luxury experiential accommodation. Our team designs and manufactures custom-made and environmentally sustainable luxury glamping tents providing an accommodation for guests that has a low impact on the environment,” says Robert.

Green Star has been involved in a number of high-profile projects for hotels and private clients and believes in positive collaboration.

Robert Klun is an architect and President of Robert Klun Architects, Magnet Design d.o.o. and Green Star Luxury –creators of luxury experiential accommodation.

DAVID LEVENTHAL

OWNER OF PLAYA VIVA AND CO-FOUNDER OF REGENERATIVE RESORTS

Owner of Playa Viva and Co-founder of Regenerative Resorts, David Leventhal has championed this eco-first ethos since the founding of Playa Viva in 2005. By creating a sense of place, both geographically and historically, Playa Viva encapsulates a new type of luxury for guests: one based on cultural authenticity, natural immersion, and impeccable service.

With the founding of Regenerative Resorts in 2019 with Co-founder Amanda Ho, Leventhal turned his eye toward a more global audience. With the goal of replicating the eco-luxury of Playa Viva at establishments around the world, Regenerative Resorts has served as a network for both environmental hotels and conscious consumers looking to make a positive impact with their travels.

“I’m a regenerative (social and environmental) impact entrepreneur and investor,” David says. “A Biz Dev guy at heart, my background is in sales and marketing in emerging media and technology. Over the last 20 years, my endeavors have focused on real estate and hospitality and follow my values for regenerative, environmental and social impact.

“Through Playa Viva and Regenerative Travel Inc, we have endeavoured to leverage hospitality (and real estate investments) to bring capital (social, market, intellectual, natural and financial) to work in improving the ecosystem, both people and planet, to create vibrant, resilient, healthy and profitable systems for all participants. It takes a “slow money” committed investment and it’s working. Hospitality can positively impact and transform you, the communities and ecosystems you visit. We are all just tourists on this planet and our goal is to make it better for the next generation.”

Panel: Wednesday 24 May: Green Certification – what can you and your guests take seriously?

TODD WYNNE-PARRY

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HORWARTH HTL (OREGON)

Todd has over 30 years of hotel development experience, having held senior leadership positions at several major hotel brands and most recently AutoCamp and Two Roads Hospitality.

Todd was instrumental in the development efforts for IHG, Starwood and Marriott in the Asia Pacific region and for Two Roads Hospitality globally. He began his career as a hotel consultant in the San Diego office of Laventhol & Horwath, the predecessor to Horwath HTL. He is now Managing Director of Horwath HTL and leads the Outdoor Hospitality practice for North America. Horwath HTL is the largest independent hospitality consultancy with 52 offices worldwide.

Todd earned an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and sits on the advisory council of the American Glamping Association. In his spare time, Todd enjoys fly fishing and exploring the western US in his 1953 Airstream. Panel 12.15pm Wednesday 24 May: Green Certification – What can you and your guests take seriously?

MICHAEL SAGILD

FOUNDER AND CEO OF CLOUD COLLECTIVE

Michael is the Founder and CEO of Cloud Collective; a global Hospitality development and innovation company with a mission to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and purpose-led future for travel.

Built on the idea that brands are the custodians of the people they build with and the places they build in, Michael cofounded Cloud Collective to deliver end-to-end turnkey solutions that empower owners and operators to create luxury destinations with impact.

Driven by a “profit for purpose” ethos, Cloud Collective is pioneering a new approach to development with clean technology and cultural conservation at its core.

With over 30 years of hotel experience, Michael has developed luxury hotels and resorts with some of the world’s most renowned brands including Hyatt, MGM, Rosewood, and Four Seasons.

Along with his work with Cloud Collective, Michael is the Founder of Sagild & Associates, an Asia-born specialist advisory firm providing highly bespoke advisory services to clients with multiple hotels, mixed-use projects or integrated resorts.

Fireside chat with Tom Butterfield: 4pm Wednesday 24 May: Born Out of an Ambition for Change – how commerce & conservation can work together

STUDIO PUISTO

Studio Puisto is an architecture and interior design practice specializing in hospitality. Shortly after its inception, Studio Puisto was selected as one of the rising star offices from around the globe by leading lifestyle magazine Wallpaper in 2016. It has now grown into an international team with projects around the globe that are rooted in a Nordic mindset and approach, ranging from a mountain resort in South Korea to a healing resort in Cyprus.

Studio Puisto uses architecture as a vehicle to create new experiences and moments with a steadfast commitment to doing it sustainably.

SAM-ERIK RUTTMANN

As the Director for Global Hospitality Development at Studio Puisto, Sam-Erik Ruttmann brings a wealth of experience from an international hotelier career spanning US, Europe, Middle East and Asia with world- class hotel companies including Hyatt International, InterContinental, Langham Hotels and Resorts and Dusit International.

Most notably, Sam-Erik served as the Vice President of Development & Regional Director Operations for the Middle East at Langham and as the Regional Vice President for the Middle East at Dusit, acting as chief negotiator for hotel agreements and driving expansion into the area. In addition, he is currently an advisor to the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation in Malta and enjoys exploring and learning about emerging technologies that could make our lives better.

WILLEM VAN BOLDEREN

Willem van Bolderen M.Sc. is a founding partner of Studio Puisto Architects Ltd. Since 2015, Willem has taught wood architecture at the Aalto University of Technology.

Willem is also the co-founder of the Hospitality Think Tank with the purpose to ensure that the hospitality industry is at the forefront of change towards a better world.

Talk: 12.45 Thursday 25 May: Architects Striving for Wellbeing – how can

JORGE SAURA

CEO AND FOUNDER OF TUBBO

Jorge Saura is CEO and founder of Tubbo. A designer and manufacturer of transparent structures for eco resorts since 2009, it has been awarded twice with the Innovation Award.

The company takes the experience in design and manufacture of conveyor belt covers from its sister company Capotex. Capotex is a world leader in conveyor belt covers for mining, working in more than 70 countries with the most prestigious engineering companies in the world.

This experience in covering conveyor belts led Capotex in 2009 to design a cover for conveyor belts in ski resorts with a transparent product and adapted to the transit of people. Since then it has innovated and evolved its product to be able to supply Tubbo to markets as varied as restaurants, hotels, discotheques, playgrounds, cruise terminals, airports, gyms, spas…

It currently focuses its activity on the aforementioned sectors and on the eco-resorts market. It has evolved its product to achieve a feeling of complete integration in nature through its transparency and the possibility of offering a convertible product in which you can open its huge windows and enjoy the smells, sounds and other natural phenomena. The basis of its innovation is focused on optimizing the sensations of nature, with air conditioning, heating and comfort combined with privacy solutions.

Supplier presentation: Thursday 25 May – 3pm

MARCIN DABROWSKI

WELLNESS CONSULTANT & ENTREPRENEUR

Marcin has spent over 15 years in the wellness industry and in 2020 he established Well Marketing, to help companies benefit from the opportunities offered by the wellness industry.

Marcin has an MBA in Wellness Business Management from the University of California and CIM accreditation in marketing. He prepares wellness marketing strategies for his clients enabling them to create popular and profitable wellness businesses and maximise the potential within their resorts.

For many years before starting his own marketing consultancy, Marcin worked alongside other agencies in his previous roles of manager, owner and CEO of wellness locations. He is therefore uniquely placed to understand the challenges and has developed a system to support others in providing and marketing the best wellness solutions suited to their guests.

Marcin was a popular speaker at last year’s Slovenia event and this year, he brings delegates a very special gift of 3 months free marketing support.

Wednesday 24th May: 4.30pm: How to build your eco resort business with a wellness experience

SANDER JACOB

MARKETING & SALES MANAGER AT CREATIVE STRUCTURES

Sander is the Marketing & Sales Manager at Creative Structures. Creative Structures has over 14 years of experience producing and distributing luxury tent structures for the high-end event, hospitality, and recreation industries.

Crossover Lodge is a product registered by Creative Structures. The Crossover Lodges are based on the ‘Crossover,’ one of Creative Structures’ existing structures. The solid structure is made out of high-quality aluminium tubes, strong galvanised steel connectors, stainless steel cables and PVC cover to ensure extra strength and rigidity. The structures, and therefore the Crossover Lodges, are TÜV certified and offer protection against the most extreme weather conditions. They are resistant to temperatures from -20/-30oC to +70oC and up to wind force 80/100 km/h.

With the Crossover Lodges, we offer your guests an unforgettable outdoor experience with the comfort of a luxury hotel room.

Creative Structures

Since 2009 Creative Structures has been a global player in the production and distribution of tented structures for the hospitality, leisure and event industry.

Supplier presentation: Thursday 25 May at 5.50pm

ZLATKO PANKOV

OWNER ABEILLE MAISON GLAMPING RESORT AND ABEILLE MAISON MK - PREMIUM TENT PRODUCERS

As the owner of Abeille Maison Glamping Resort Zlatni Rat on the beautiful island of Brač in Croatia, I have extensive experience in creating and managing luxury hospitality experiences. Our resort is designed to offer guests a unique and unforgettable glamping experience, with an emphasis on connecting with nature while enjoying the finest amenities and services.

In addition to running the resort, my company is engaged in the production and sales of Glamping high-end luxurious tents, Abeille Maison MK - Premium Tent Producers. Our tents are designed to provide a hedonistic and indulgent connection with nature, offering guests the opportunity to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort or style.

Beyond my experience in the hospitality and tent manufacturing industries, I also have a proven track record in organizing successful trade shows for businesses of all kinds. I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every event I organize, helping to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have a productive and enjoyable experience.

Supplier presentation: Thursday 25 May – 2.45pm

LOUIS THOMPSON

FOUNDER AND CEO OF NOMADIC RESORTS AND CO-FOUNDER NOMADIC ESCAPES

Louis is the founder and CEO of Nomadic Resorts, an award-winning architectural and landscape design office that delivers innovative, experiential hospitality projects across the planet since 2011.

Among their most recent work is Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka which was voted Global Gamechanger at the 2020 Ahead Awards. The company designs bespoke green building projects for various luxury hotel groups including Soneva, Banyan Tree, Playa Viva, Neom and Resplendent Ceylon.

Louis also founded Nomadic Escapes, a new outdoor hospitality management company focussed on, biophilic tented experiences; net zero carbon operations, re-wilding and regenerative landscaping. Their first camp Bamboo Mountain in Mauritius .

Following his hotel management studies in France, Louis was recruited by Six Senses Resorts and Spas in 2004 as a Permaculture consultant and became the group Director of Green Building and Sustainable Landscaping a role in which he helped develop the group’s ground-breaking Sustainability practices.

Throughout his career he has worked at the cutting edge of green building and landscaping projects including ‘Fresh in the Garden’ the pioneering Farm to Fork treetop restaurant at Soneva Fushi, the Treetop Dining Pod at Soneva Kiri and the innovative bamboo treehouses at Playa Viva.

As well as having a French BTS diploma in hotel marketing, he is LEED Accredited Professional, has a master’s in Environmental Architecture and Advanced Energy Studies from the University of London and followed Hospitality Design and Planning courses at Cornell-Nanyang in Singapore.

Panel: Thursday 25 May 3pm: The Thrill of Something New: Giving Guests an Adventure

MARC MYERS

HOSPITALITY AND PROJECT DIRECTOR OF EXTREME DESTINATIONS

Marc is currently the Hospitality and Project Director for EXTREME Destinations and over the past 30 years, he has accumulated extensive experience in adventure and ecotourism, specifically in business development, project management, operations, and designing new sustainable tourism products. He has also been involved in destination management, environmental management systems/certification, sustainable supply chains and procurement, and ESG benchmarking and reporting, all in accordance with industry standards.

Marc possesses excellent strategic management and planning skills, including developing key performance indicators, analysing data, and improving operational efficiencies adapted through circular economy principles. He is also adept at team and capacity building, communication and media strategies, budgeting and funds management, and incorporating CSR into daily operations.

In 2003, Marc earned an MSc in sustainable tourism management from the University of Greenwich, and since then, he has worked on numerous tourism developments and projects across the UK, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the Nordics. His unwavering passion for tourism, conservation, and sustainable development has been a guiding principle in all the projects, organisations, and businesses he has represented and worked with.

Marc’s diverse experience in the tourism and hospitality industry has enabled him to interact with all aspects of the industry, starting as a guide and gradually moving into more managerial, operational, executive, and advisory roles. His profound understanding of adventure tourism and ecotourism encompasses all facets of business development, management, operational performance, and sustainability

Panel: Thursday 25 May, 3pm: The Thrill of Something New: Giving Guests an Adventure

KELDA BASSETT

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF TRUDOMES

Kelda Bassett is the co-founder and CEO for TruDomes, an award-winning manufacturer of geodesic domes for glamping, events, yoga, weddings and more, proudly made in Britain using sustainable aluminium. With diverse experience in start-ups, acquisitions, and established customer-centric commercial organisations, Kelda has spent much of her career in the travel industry, working for airlines and rail companies. Unsurprisingly, she loves the great outdoors and is passionate about traveling and experiencing new things.

For Kelda, success in business is about creating better products, delivering better customer experiences, and building companies that people can be proud of. Her advocacy personality type fuels her desire to see others succeed and thrive, and she believes that helping others realize their worth and potential is the ultimate success in life.

Kelda is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in applied business management, formalising and improving her business knowledge and execution of activities. Her skills and experience include customer success management, agile project management, global supply chains, quality and operation management. As a committed life-long learner, Kelda is always reading, listening to audio books, and podcasts on human psychology and self-improvement.

Supplier presentation: Thursday 25 May, 3.45pm

FLAVIU RUS

CO-FOUNDER OF ZŪNYA

Flaviu is a co-founder of Zūnya, an experience driven hospitality ecosystem that uses a holistic approach towards the right use of resources through the development of both Heart-ware and Soul-ware in order to catalyze and nurture the connection with ourselves, others and nature

Zūnya’s mission is to co-create innovative living spaces that facilitate transformative and educational experiences, enabling people to connect with one another and shaping thriving communities.

Flaviu oversees all aspects of business strategy and investment, always looking to innovate and to find ways to make dreams become a reality. An inspiring, receptive, and trustworthy leader, Flaviu is always open to new ideas and has extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor.

Before starting on the journey to co-create Zūnya, he bootstrapped 2 technology companies, selling the first one and partially exiting the second one while making investments in real estate projects along the way.

“We seek to regenerate our way of being, as we realize our infinite potential.”

Zūnya was born from a desire to create the conditions for people to reconnect with themselves and others in an authentic way, and to restore our balance with nature. The natural area where we decided to build the project had to represent this deep necessity to go back to our roots, while respecting this land we call home.

The mix between hospitality, residential, commercial, and public spaces allows us to catalyze a more sustainable development in the area, all while positioning Zūnya as a destination for Art and Culture in Costa Rica.

Zūnya’s program includes creative residencies that provide artists, healers, and practitioners with the opportunity to deeply engage with nature and explore new frontiers in co-creation, experimentation, and artistic expression. Through a variety of workshops and learning opportunities, participants collaborate to push boundaries, discover new possibilities, and contribute to a vibrant community of creators and learners.

Panel: Wednesday 24 May: Regeneration, Transformation and Rethinking the Hospitality Model

CARAGH CURRAN

FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CONSULTANTS

Caragh Curran is the founder and managing director of Sustainable Tourism Consultants, where she advises organisations on how to develop strong and sustainable businesses and successful tourism destinations.

Caragh has strong international business acumen with over 20 years’ experience in the travel and tourism sector and providing consultancy services to the private sector, governments, and multilateral institutions, such as the EU, World Bank & USAID.

She has held senior C-level executive roles with leading and emerging destinations across strategic development, master planning, brand and product development, digital marketing, consumer, investor and corporate communications, and mega events.

Prior to setting up STC, she was Executive Director for Marketing & Communications with the Public Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia, where she set up the marketing, communications, and events division for the Red Sea giga-project and advised on the tourism strategy and masterplans for the project. The new destination aims to set a new global standard in luxury and sustainable development, through the innovative use of technology and personalised services.

Caragh is a diversity champion and mentor to women in developing and emerging countries through the Cherie Blair Foundation to support female entrepreneurship.

KEVIN WALLACE

CEO , BIGOVA BAY D.O.O.

Kevin Wallace has over 30 years of senior leadership experience in the hotel, travel and cruise industries in all major global markets. Bigova Bay d.o.o. is the owning company developing the Bigova Bay integrated resort on 90 hectares on the Adriatic coast in Kotor, Montenegro with one ultra- luxury hotel of 185 keys and a luxury seaside residential community with 241 villas.

Kevin was formerly CEO of TNH Hotels Vietnam, Managing Director of Dream Hotel Group, Managing Director of Plateno Hotel Group, President of Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts, President of Centara International Management, President and COO of Grand Circle Cruise Lines and Travel, President and CEO of JA Resorts and Hotels and President and CFO of Mirage Resorts and Hotels.

PETER FARQUHARSON

FOUNDER AND EX- CEO AT FURTHER SPACE

Peter has 35 years of experience in engineering and affordable housing delivery

He worked as a professional Engineer in London, and 20 years with Habitat for Humanity International, more recently as a consultant with UN-Habitat supporting Iraq National Housing Policy (INHP) in Baghdad, and the implementation of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Housing Strategy in Erbil.

Peter co-founded Habitat for Humanity in Northern Ireland and pioneered “Shared” Social Housing across conflicted communities. Following the Nepal Earthquake in 2015, he founded INTU Global Shelter (IGS) to provide innovative design solutions to meet emergency and disaster response shelter needs. Under his leadership IGS developed and prototyped products ready for market, eventually focusing on the leisure and tourism market branded as INTUPOD.

In 2018, Peter co-founded Further.Space offering landowners a turnkey micro-tourism business solution, in the alternative glamping pod sector. The Partnership business model delivers hand-picked holiday destinations, sharing profits from the pod accommodation with landowners, typically over 10 years.

Further Space raised in excess of £4.5M as a combination of debt and equity funding, and to date have developed 11 fully operational sites with another 25 projects at different stages of the planning process.

From March 2023 Peter stepped down as CEO from Further Space, to establish an end to end project management, manufacturing and project delivery consultancy.

DAVID COURT

INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT FOR CANVAS AND TENT GROUP

David heads up Bushtec Creations as an Independent Executive Consultant, for Canvas and Tent Group South Africa. He is ex Botswana and Saudi Arabia (25 years Safaris and Tourism/Hospitality Expert) and therefore assisting with Turnkey Solutions into Africa, Saudi Arabia & Middle East, GCC, Far East and beyond.

World leaders in tent design and fully owned manufacturing plant for all canvas and steel components – no third parties. Producing award-winning tents for the luxury travel, glamping, and experiential adventure markets.

l Current range of 1,300+ tent designs offer more options than any other tent manufacturer.

l Designs can be customised and manufactured to specific aesthetic or locational requirements, or totally unique.

l Bespoke interior design delivered by custom-made curtains, blinds, duvet covers, cushions and upholsteries using the finest quality, durable materials.

l Only tent manufacturer to offer three different types of roofs designs, including Tensile variations.

l Extensive interior design experience in the luxury lodge, resort, or glamping market.

l In-house design team of architects and designers.

l Our tents are manufactured to endure harsh climates with most pre-certified for wind and snow loads, first ever to do fully insulated Canvas, fire retardant, rot proof and UV stabilised.

l Our laboratory tests materials against the highest, international standards so we can offer a world class product.

JAMAL WICK

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF BESPOKE MODULAR SOLUTIONS

After graduating from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Jamal Wick started his journey with the Kempinski Hotel Group, where he opened a portfolio of multiple properties in the region.

He then created his first company with his partner, Flip International, a F&B consulting firm that thrives from “flipping” failing ventures around driving trends.

Wick then created Bespoke Trailers, a company specialising in designing, manufacturing and converting mobile units into F&B outlets.

Wick is now devoted to Bespoke Modular Solutions, reshaping traditional construction and hospitality.

His products are sustainable positioned at the higher end of the market while capturing the full cost and productivity benefits of modular construction.

JENNY PAPADIMITRIOU

CO-FOUNDER OF LAAS MEDITERRANEAN TENTED EXPERIENCE

LAAS is a feeling – a sense of escape from everything, and yet a return to something deep within. Nestled in a grove of pine trees by the sea, caressed by the pleasant Aegean breeze filled with birdsong, the buzz of cicadas and the gentle burble of a mountain stream, LAAS is about slow time. It’s a way of life. Situated on a blue flag beach with fine sand, LAAS is surrounded by beauty. There are hiking and mountain biking trails along the coast, and the nearby Mount Pangaion is famous for its scenic forest and waterfalls. The province is rich in ancient culture and religious heritage, known as Macedonia in the time of Alexander the Great. The historic town of Kavala is minutes away.

The LAAS experience has all the excitement and adventure of camping, paired with comfort and sophistication. All include bespoke design features, full bathrooms, comfortable mattresses dressed in fine linen, and a private patio with outdoor shower.

. We consider it our responsibility to honour nature’s legacy with eco-friendly practices. We support local producers and artisans, source seasonal and organic produce, reduce and recycle waste, our composting completes a virtuous cycle with the earth, and we draw on spring water as well as solar power.

“We construct in an eco-friendly, sustainable and time reducing manner. We use ethical materials, which reduce carbon footprint,” Wick says.

Through a patented technological modular building system, deployment of modular units from design engineering till installation can be completed in four to six months. With site preparation and factory manufacturing completed in-sync, clients enjoy fast ROI and lower costs of 20-30%.

“Our policy is to move away from steel and concrete – and make use of timber, keeping in mind government guidelines,” Wick stated.

Presently, Bespoke Industries is focusing on the GCC area with lots of ongoing projects, it recently supplied modular units for a UNESCO protected site in Abu Dhabi.

LOUISE STONE SALES MANAGER AT TRUDOMES

Louise Stone is an experienced Sales Manager at TruDomes, where she is responsible for managing the UK and European markets. She graduated from university with a degree in Hospitality Management and has over 15 years of experience in the industry.

After working in the industry for 13 years and having two children, Louise decided to become a freelance consultant, helping venues grow and develop their business strategies. She spent two years working in this capacity before the pandemic hit, which prompted her to relocate and join TruDomes in 2021.

Louise quickly proved herself to be a valuable asset to the company, and she was promoted to Vice President of TruDomes Inc, the American subsidiary established to support the company’s growth in the US market. Louise’s expertise in sales and business development has been instrumental in driving TruDomes’ success, and her positive attitude, teamwork skills, and firm belief that anything can be achieved with the right mindset make her a valued member of the team.

In her free time, Louise enjoys staying active and being outdoors. She is an avid fan of Pilates and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

SARAH RILEY CEO OF THE GLAMPING ACADEMY

Sarah Riley has helped thousands of glamping owners design their dream businesses and the lifestyles they want in unique hospitality, as she believes everyone deserves to make a living doing something they love.

As CEO of The Glamping Academy she uses her 20 years of experience to launch ideas quickly, start earning immediately and get ahead of the competition, without sacrificing life goals or the environment.

She is the host of The Business of Glamping And Unique Holiday Rentals Podcast and Glamping Americas Podcast, recently launched in partnership with the Glamping Show Americas. She also leads one of the largest business support communities in the industry and is invited to travel the globe to talk on these topics.

Although she operates around the world, she lives by the sea in the southwest UK with her husband and 2 children and can often be found running her business from her vintage caravan, glamping tent or remotely from the beach.

TARIRO MADZINGIRA

BANKING PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY BUILDER

Tariro (ta-ree-rho) is a junior banking professional with corporate experience in both marketing and finance. She has a deep interest in the business of creativity, selfdevelopment practices and a record of achieving results in fast-paced environments.

Tariro is building a diverse online community encouraging high potential professionals and students to take intentional breaks in the outdoors. Born out of the knowledge underrepresented groups typically don’t feel seen in the British outdoors, she is keen to learn more about various wellness/glamping experiences that would appeal to the Gen Z demographic to either accelerate growth or encourage stillness in nature.

In future, Tariro hopes to gain enough to knowledge to operate a site in Zimbabwe.

AIDA BRATOVIC

DIRECTOR AT STUDIOAIDA

Aida Bratovic (DipArch (UCL) RIBA BIID) has over 20 years’ experience in ultra high-end architecture and interior design with clients including royal Heads of State and some of the most recognised financiers in the world.

She studied at Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, under the tutelage of Simon Alford and Paul Monaghan.

Previously a director at Timothy Hatton Architects, internationally known for their most prestigious clients, Aida founded STUDIOAida in 2014, a boutique Architecture and Interior Design Studio, that has become one of the leading practices in the UK.

Aida’s family roots in Montenegro has given her a deep understanding of the culture and the terrain. This together with her drive for excellence that has led Goran to engage her practice on Oblun Resort.

Aida has extensive knowledge of working with Historic Buildings and Sites of Outstanding Natural Beauty providing complex but sensitive interventions and alterations.

She is a full member of Royal Institute of British Architects and British Institute of Interior Design.

Aida has a truly international outlook; Sarajevo born, educated in London, with her project experience spanning UK, USA, Canada, Italy, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Norway, Qatar, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia.

ELENI GARYFALLOU

CEO OF LAAS MEDITERRANEAN TENTED EXPERIENCE

LAAS is a feeling – a sense of escape from everything, and yet a return to something deep within. Nestled in a grove of pine trees by the sea, caressed by the pleasant Aegean breeze filled with birdsong, the buzz of cicadas and the gentle burble of a mountain stream, LAAS is about slow time. It’s a way of life.

Situated on a blue flag beach with fine sand, LAAS is surrounded by beauty. There are hiking and mountain biking trails along the coast, and the nearby Mount Pangaion is famous for its scenic forest and waterfalls. The province is rich in ancient culture and religious heritage, known as Macedonia in the time of Alexander the Great. The historic town of Kavala is minutes away.

The LAAS experience has all the excitement and adventure of camping, paired with comfort and sophistication. All include bespoke design features, full bathrooms, comfortable mattresses dressed in fine linen, and a private patio with outdoor shower.

. We consider it our responsibility to honour nature’s legacy with ecofriendly practices. We support local producers and artisans, source seasonal and organic produce, reduce and recycle waste, our composting completes a virtuous cycle with the earth, and we draw on spring water as well as solar power.

GREGOR VREŠ

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER

Gregor Vreš is a landscape architect and designer, based in Slovenia.

He founded his first landscape architecture company Landscape Ltd. in 1998. In his 25 years career, he has completed several acclaimed high-profile projects. He is the co-author of the well known Garden Village Bled resort, Herbal glamping resort Ljubno, Obonjan island resort, Jungle Beach resort Ahungalla Sri Lanka, Kempinski hotel Palace Portorož, Lambergh Château & Hotel, Gredič Hotel Dobrovo, Four points by Sheraton Hotel Ljubljana and many more.

Together with his team he has won numerous awards, including the Golden Pencil Award for Best Architecture in Slovenia, Plečnik architectual Award and Snovalec Award for the most innovative idea in tourism.

He is also the co-inventor of patented designs for luxury Mobile glamping tents - accomodational units for the well known glamping manufacturer Adria home Ltd.

His areas of work include landscape, architecture and product design. He mostly works in the field of innovative and sustainable hospitality projects. As a trained landscape architect he creates tailor-made and unique designs with seamless connection between outdoor and indoor spaces.

In the recent years he has founded the company Momoko Ltd. and finally manages to dedicate part of his time to one of his lifelong passions – product design. He uses sustainable materials for high-end unique outdoor/indoor contemporary furniture and accessories.

KERRY ROY FOUNDER OF TWO GLAMPING SITES

Solo female glamptrepreneur Kerry Roy founded her first multi award-winning glamping site in the UK, Camp Katur, in 2012. She has since diversified into many different areas, including festivals, weddings and wellness retreats – whilst establishing a second successful awardwinning glamping retreat, Cerchio Del Desiderio in Italy in 2019. Not one to stay still for long, she also joined forces with Glamping Innovations to distribute innovative and sustainable glamping structures throughout Italy.

Kerry has also been fortunate enough to take part in several TV programmes focusing on her businesses’ success and ever developing knowledge within the industry, inspiring others to run their own business in various sectors. You can follow her new Italian business adventures on the latest series of Channel 4’s A New Life In The Sun, for which she continues to film for the 4th year.

SONNY VREBAC FOUNDER OF BUBBLETENT AUSTRALIA

Like many delegates, Sonny Vrebac’s path to eco resorts is one of passion. He is an award-winning director, as well as a multiplatform producer, writer, performer, entrepreneur and guest lecturer, among other things. He is now the founder of Bubbletent Australia — a unique eco resort project that gets you as close to the stars as you can be without flying up there yourself.

Bubbletent Australia is an off-grid pop-up eco resort situated on a secluded section of a 1000+ acre working farm. It is nestled between Lithgow and Mudgee, some 200km northwest of Sydney. The site overlooks the second biggest canyon in the world, which doubles as one of the 50 IBA (Important Bird Area) sanctuaries around the globe for bird watching.

However, birds aren’t the only thing you can see at this resort, with the clear tents designed for the ultimate stargazing experience. The bubble tents are transparent, inflatable, airlocked dome tents, and this allows guest to lay back and soak in the spectacular skies.

And so now, Bubbletent Australia is one of few places where your accommodation doesn’t block your view — instead offering a warm, private space that feels as if it’s open to the elements.

RACHEL BOWERS

SUSTAINABLE / ECO / OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENT

Rachel says, “I’m an eco travel advocate, originally from California, with a true passion for eco-innovation and worldly exploration.

In the last 5 years in Germany, I have managed numerous Airbnb vacation rentals for both clients and myself. I also enjoyed teaching yoga at my hot yoga studio while hosting, coordinating, and managing international yoga retreats and teacher training programs for wellness advocates alike.

I recently graduated from Swiss Hotel Management School with an MA in International Business in Hospitality Management and I am devotedly looking to start an innovative eco boutique hotel concept, in South West German wine country.

My goal is to provide younger generations, X, Y, Z, with a higher sense of value in eco-tourism and to cater to the rising eco travel demands by making eco accommodations more obtainable in post COVID travel era.

I’m very much looking forward to connecting with likeminded individuals and industry distrusting investors who share my passion to bring eco tourism to the mainstream German market.

IAN LINASSI FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINASSI+CO

Ian Linassi has 25 years of experience in the world of branding, print and digital application, working in some of the world’s largest branding agencies and design hot houses. With a drive to simplify the big agency approach to branding, Linassi+Co was established in 2008 and quickly established itself within the luxury hospitality and real estate industry. Since then, the studio has worked across the globe, managing projects in multiple time zones.

As founder and creative director, Ian’s focus remains on the quality of creative thinking and output from a team of designers, developers and strategists. As Linassi+Co heads toward the end of their second decade in business, there is a focus throughout the studio to be mindful of our impact on the world and communities in which we live and operate. With the involvement and input of the entire team, B Corp status is the immediate milestone on the road to ‘business as a force for good’.

Having worked in some of the world’s most spectacular locations, Ian has a growing interest in sustainable development and a move away from indelible architecture to a lighter and more sustainable touch.

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PETER RUSBRIDGE

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THE ONLY DEDICATED TRADE MAGAZINES FOR THE GLAMPING SECTOR: INTERNATIONAL GLAMPING BUSINESS AND GLAMPING BUSINESS AMERICAS

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14-16 SEPTEMBER 2023, STONELEIGH, COVENTRY

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