SHARE | The Magazine of Eco Resort Network | Issue 03

S

THE MAGAZINE OF

ECO RESORT NETWORK

WELCOME

The warmest of welcomes to our third Eco Resort Network event on the beautiful island of Mauritius. To those who return to us for another year, thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for our event. And to those who are joining us for the first time, we look forward to finding out more about you and building strong new friendships.

We are here to grow – our network, our knowledge of the sustainable outdoor hospitality sector and ultimately our businesses. I hope we will also grow in spirit, in self-confidence and in inspiration, as we share and receive the stories of green hospitality, transformative experiences and hope for the future of the planet.

We are still a niche in the wider hospitality industry but our power and influence is definitely increasing and we can truly make a difference by setting an example of regeneration and a benchmark for quality that will fuel the demand for sustainable luxury stays. Finally, a huge thank you to our sponsors for a second year; Tenthouse Structures, for your invaluable support. Also our co-hosts, Astrid Arlove from OBOE and Louis Thompson from Nomadic Resorts and the team at Anbalaba. I would also like to thank, Karen, Annie, Paula and Harry for their incredible help and all those who mentored me along the way, including my dear friend Maja.

Steph Curtis-Raleigh, Organiser

Karen Cooke (Codd), Operations

Annie Hilton, Media

Paula Worswick, Sales

Harry Sweetman, Accounts

AGENDA

SATURDAY 18 MAY

Main arrival day

18:00 - 19:00 Welcome Reception

SUNDAY 19 MAY

13:00 Women’s Circle Lunch – All speakers, delegates and partners are welcome to join this informal lunch, co-hosted by Alejandra Wick

17:00 Depart for OBOĒ Resort

19:00 Return to the hotel

MONDAY 20 MAY

8.30 Wellness on the beach with Alejandra Wick – 15 minutes of meditation, mindfulness and intention before our day starts

9.15 – Welcome, housekeeping, message from sponsor

09:30 – 10:15 Keynote with Aradhana Khowala, Aptamind Partners

– ‘Regenerative Tourism: Beyond the buzzwords towards real-world impact’

10:15 – 11:00 Keynote with Channing Henry, Managing Director , Head of UK PKF Hospitality: – Navigating global hospitality trends

11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break on the terrace

11:30 – 12.00 – Brendan O’Molony, CEO & Founder Tenthouse Structures – Crafting in the wild: A story of a project, of conservation in the Kalahari and a love letter to Africa

12:00 – 12:30 Noelle Homsy, co-Founder ENVI Lodges – interview: – Exploring the Intersection of Luxury Hospitality and Environmental Responsibility with honesty

12:30 – 13:00 Panel with Ana Ramirez – co-Founder Ancestral Handmade Hotels and Louis Thompson, Founder Nomadic Resorts: – The societal wellness revolution and how it is driving resort design

13:00 – 14:30 Lunch in main restaurant

14:30 – 15:00 Panel with Yannick Littoux, International Business Development, Anthenea Floating Hotel ,Jamal Wick, CEO Bespoke Modular Solutions & Gene Eidelman of Azure Printed Homes

– Building the Future: Sustainable solutions through modular construction in eco resorts’

15:00 – 15:30 Gerald Ami – Conscious Mauritius – Travel in 2024; What Matters Most To Travellers

15:30 – 16:00 Franck Sanna AND Ryan Mahfouz

– Desert Dreams to Coastal Cruises: Crafting Unique Eco-Hospitality Experiences with NARA

Day end

Guests to be at their leisure at the hotel in the evening.

TUESDAY 21 MAY

09:00 Wellness on the beach with Alejandra Wick – 15 minutes of meditation, mindfulness and intention before our day starts

09:30 – 10:15 Jon Hales: Climate and Business Director – Project Everyone – How to amplify environmental awareness through effective messaging’

10:15 – 11:00 Robyn Woodhead – co-Founder White Desert Antarctica

– Change Elasticity: Building resilience as an eco entrepreneur

11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break on the terrace

11:30 – 12:00 Victor Vasquez – Collective Retreats /Caragh Curran

– Sustainable Hospitality: Navigating Certification and Beyond

12:00 – 12:30 AI Masterclass and what it will mean for hospitality

12:30 – 13:00 Kinga Monica, Founder Earthvoice

– Community empowerment through sustainable initiatives with regenerative outcomes

13:00 – 14:30 Lunch in main restaurant

14:30 – 15.00 Maja, Authentic Luxury – Reflections, Progress, and Future Horizons

15.00 – 15.30 – Eelke Pollé, CCO Basecamp Eco Resorts – Maximizing Resort Real Estate and Meeting the Needs of our Three Stakeholders: Nature, Guests and Investors

Conference Closes

18:30 Drinks reception/Gala dinner on the beach

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

09:30 We depart the Ravenala at 9.30am and will stop for coffee en route to Anbalaba. It is a beautiful drive and we will arrive in a verdant setting along the mango valley with breathtaking views of the lagoon, the ocean and the emblematic Morne Brabant.

The Nomadic Anbalaba team and our network member Louis Thompson of Nomadic Resorts will welcome us with a tour and a traditional Mauritian lunch before we leave for airport transfers or hotel.

Please do let us know ASAP if you wish to join us on this trip and if you require airport transfer from Anbalaba, so we can organise transportation.

Transfers directly after lunch to the airport will leave at 3pm and will take just under one hour.

Everyone else will return to the Ravenala for 5pm.

WELCOME TO OBOĒ

A LETTER FROM ASTRID ARLOVE

I was not yet 30 when we met in Slovenia. Can you imagine what a honour it was for me to come present OBOĒ to a bunch of industry professionals from around the world? Little did I know that beyond being successful and having lots of valuable tips to share, this diverse group of delegates was also fun, openminded and genuinely keen to connect! The EcoResort network was grounded and well-organized, yet also rich in cultural experiences, comfortable meals shared with the group, wholesome bike rides around lake Bled. Slovenia also really touched me. Discovering Llublajana, its terrace bars and dragon statues, its pink church and friendly boatmen. I had chosen to stay on after the conference, without a specific plan, keen for adventure and to gather as much learning that could contribute to the development of OBOĒ back home. I was invited by one of the coolest delegates to join them on a road trip for a few days. And so we went, Tomo, his wife, two cute girls and myself, into the valleys of wine of the Slovenian countryside. I tasted the food, met the locals, opened wild poppies, went to museums, and drank a lot of good wine!

I ended up spending two full months in Europe, one of them volunteering (for accommodation) in a boutique hotel in front of a canal in Amsterdam Central. I made beds there, prepared meals and checked-in guests. It wasn’t my first run, but it was great to have a refresher and get my hands dirty. During that time, my team, contractors and Architect were in Mauritius, following through with building OBOĒ. Upon my return, it would be my turn to procure, furnish and start preparing for operations.

Oh what a ride it has been! From tables, to mirrors, and forks and cups, we went to fetch it all ourselves!

From quasi-solo entrepreneur lifestyle for 2 years, to 2 years of leading a construction project made of 30 shipping containers, and to now leading a team of 7 (and growing) with OBOĒ in operation and welcoming guests: I have trouble believing it myself to be quite honest.

I further immerse into the wildering magic of how this adventure turns out with the Eco-Resort Network Conference now coming over to Mauritius this year! Two years later, we get to welcome all you new and returning delegates to OBOĒ, the first ‘container hotel’ in the Indian Ocean, and my absolute, life-bending, passion project.. turned reality.

You’ll taste our litchi wine and our world-renowned rhum, and share with us your feedback on our little but bold creation lodged between the trees. I’ve also booked out my days to be in the conference with you all. I also do recommend you to stay on after the conference if you can! Just as was the case for me in Slovenia, it’s a time to meet the culture and people even further. We do have a room for you at OBOĒ if you’d want to experience the Gardenstē! (If so, you can email astrid.arlove@gmail.com or oboe. welcome@gmail.com )

I’ll finish this piece by shouting out a big thank you to the ERN Conference, Steph, Karen & Co, for the incredible work they do gathering us all, for choosing Mauritius, and for trusting us in hosting you. Winks to Louis, Cathy and Jean-Michel, who are also making that possible!

See you soon, bon voyage!

WELCOME TO ANBALABA

A LETTER FROM LOUIS THOMPSON

To all you rebels, renegades and dreamers, welcome to Eco Resort Network 2024.

This year, we look forward to congregating here in Mauritius, a small volcanic pebble in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Given the spectacular events and beautiful landscapes of Bled and Montenegro, we will need to roll out the coral carpet and shower you with frangipani petals on arrival.

From the 18th to 22nd May, we will, no doubt, hear fabulous tales of spectacular projects in far flung places, see new innovative, game-changing technologies and meet fascinating people with extraordinary visions of the future of hospitality; but we must remember that here in Mauritius, we live island style. So slow down, chill your socks, pack your bikini (or mankini for the gentlemen), dust off your snorkel and polish your flip flops. After the hard work is over and the sun begins to set, rendezvous at the campfire on the beach, where we can pop open a Phoenix, share some Gadjacks and enjoy a little Sega.

Though Mauritius is fabled for its white sand beaches, dramatic mountains and its turquoise lagoon, it is also the land of the Dodo, the international symbol of biodiversity loss. This paradise was uninhabited with no human presence until only 500 years ago, when the first European settlers set foot on its shores. At that time, the land was cloaked with thick, tropical rainforests, where squadrons of manatees floated along the seabed, giant tortoises roamed the mountains and flocks of rare parrots flew overhead.

On such a fragile and remote eco-system, anthropogenic destruction has been more devastating than on larger land masses and the natural history of the island is tainted by massive deforestation and creeping urbanization. Today, the island is a highincome, diverse economy with 1.2 million inhabitants that receives over a million tourists annually. It is still a paradise, but a different kind of paradise.

Tourism has contributed to the economic growth of the island, but it has also taken its toll on the land; resorts and hotels sprung up along the beaches from the 1970s onwards and most of the major international hotel chains are present on the island. A string of new, mixed-use projects under development are not without local critics – so I suggest that we keep in mind the cultural as well as the ecological impact of tourism as we discuss the future of sustainable travel during the event.

Now, more than ever, we need to create new, innovative hospitality projects that are sensitive to local culture and values – we need to think carefully not only about conservation and sustainability but also about respect, renewal, and regeneration.

I hope that by having so many talented and creative people come to our shores for the event, we can share our expertise and help charter a more responsible and sustainable course for our local tourism industry going forwards.

We sincerely hope you enjoy your time in Mauritius and I look forward to showing you the best of the island and its people.

ARADHANA KHOWALA

CEO & FOUNDER OF APTAMIND PARTNERS AND CHAIR OF THE GROUP ADVISORY BOARD AT RED SEA GLOBAL

Aradhana Khowala is a global expert and one of the most influential leaders in the luxury hospitality, travel and tourism sector with a career spanning 24 years and a footprint across five continents and 75+ countries.

Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, the go-to strategic consultancy for governments, emerging destinations, and public and private organisations seeking regenerative tourism development solutions.

Prior to her current role, she served as the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM, a ground breaking US$500 billion initiative in Saudi Arabia.

An active and sought-after Board Member she serves as the Chair of the Group Advisory Board of Red Sea Global, steering the revolutionary regenerative tourism initiative in Saudi Arabia towards unprecedented environmental and social transformation milestones. She is also a Board Member and Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at Elaf Group, owned by SEDCO Holding. In the past she has worked for Jones Lang LaSalle, covering UK, Benelux and Scandinavian markets.

Beyond the boardroom, Aradhana is a startup enthusiast with a knack for identifying promising ventures and committed to nurturing the next generation of trailblazers. Armed with a keen eye for innovation, rich network and a deep understanding of market trends, her diverse portfolio mirrors her unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change.

She has won multiple awards and was featured amongst the 100 most powerful people in global hospitality for three years in a row (2021-2022-2023) and the 25 most influential women in hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute.

In 2021 she was featured as an Inspirational woman rethinking sustainable tourism by City Nation Place in the UK and also won the Chairman’s Award of Global Chamber of Commerce in US for being a leader amongst peers. She won the 21st Century Icon Awards in 2017 in association with CNBC and London School of Economics in London as an Inspirational Game Changer and in 2014, was featured as one of the 50 most Influential Next Generation leaders by Swiss Economic magazine Bilan.

An accomplished public speaker with dozens of speaking engagements every year, her keynote engagements span prestigious platforms such as TEDx, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum as well as participating in global policy discussions at the G20. She is a certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner coach, got her MBA from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and her international Board certification from INSEAD in France.

9.30am Monday 20 May

Regenerative Tourism: Beyond the buzzwords towards real-world impact

NOELLE HOMSY

CO-FOUNDER OF ENVI LODGES

Imagining she would one day design her own little hotel and retire on a Greek Island, Noelle studied architecture and ended up building an unconventional career. Starting with architectural design and construction project management, she later handled claims, risk management and arbitration cases for real estate projects in the Middle East.

In 2017, Noelle moved to Singapore for her MBA, and travelled all around South East Asia, visiting multiple eco-luxury camps in the region. After her graduation, Noelle jumped at the opportunity to enter the hospitality industry, taking on a role in luxury hotel development in Dubai, with a focus on experiential lodging. She later moved on to lead the hospitality and tourism practice at Grant Thornton UAE. Her passion for watching hotels come to life combined with her love for responsible tourism finally led her to launch ENVI Lodges in 2021.

Noelle has written several articles in local industry publications, mostly related to traveller experience and sustainability. She is a guest keynote speaker at most major industry conferences, was an advisory board member to The Hotel Show Dubai and The Hotel Show KSA, and part of the jury for the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2021.

Noelle has been selected as one of the Top 50 most influential hoteliers in the MENA region in 2022 and was listed as part of the Hotelier Executive Power list in 2023 and 2024. She is the recipient of the INSEAD Alumni Emerging Entrepreneur Award 2022 and was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Middle East Hospitality and Travel by the International Hospitality Institute.

Noelle holds an MBA from INSEAD, a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and a Bachelor’s in Architecture.

12:00 – 12:30 Monday 20 May

Interview: – Exploring the Intersection of Luxury Hospitality and Environmental Responsibility with honesty

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

11:30 – 12.00 Monday 20 May

Crafting in the wild: A story of a project, of conservation in the Kalahari and a love letter to Africa

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 partner 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 governance 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 and scientists to experience this forbidding and rarely seen interior and, despite all the challenges, it remains an incredible privilege to visit and we have created a corpse of Ambassadors and support a multitude of ground breaking scientific research projects!”

“White Desert 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 back in 2021/22. We aim to inspire others to transition to cleaner fuel too,” says Robyn. ‘I have also been a positive influence on the entire continent’s Climate Change legacy and governance. I have served on IAATO’s Executive Committee, as its Chair 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 Operators. In 2024, we look forward to announcing our new Foundation, a long-held dream of mine, to get guests to also contribute towards blue carbon, green tech, science and education projects. One of which, is planting seagrass meadows in South Africa. Which absorbs approximately 30 times more carbon than our current rainforest projects. Plus, its supporting our local gateway to Antarctica community and uplifting them.”

10:15 – 11:00 Tuesday 21st May

JON HALES

CLIMATE AND BUSINESS DIRECTOR – PROJECT EVERYONE

Jon is Business and Climate Director for Project Everyone, a United Nations Global Partner for SDG Advocacy and Outreach, which seeks to put the power of communications behind the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals.

Project Everyone create campaign materials, unique installations, documentaries, one of a kind events and as much impact as possible. They are a not-for-profit communications agency made up of a dedicated team of campaigners, convenors and communicators, who sit at the heart of a global network of civil society organisations, private sector partners, brands, governments, activists and UN agencies.

The 17 Global Goals are at the core of everything Project Everyone does – driving awareness and adoption – in order to create a world where extreme poverty is eradicated, climate change is properly addressed, and injustice and inequality are unacceptable.

Jon leads the Business Avengers programme, which brings together a group of leading and influential companies with NGOs, activists, policy makers, academics, artists and indigenous leaders to drive awareness and accelerate progress from the corporate sector for the Goals. Jon also leads on Project Everyone’s climate and nature related work, ranging from high profile events alongside the COP process, New York Climate Week, Cannes Lions and the World Economic Forum, to campaigns with partner organisations.

Jon is also the author of two children’s books, ‘Mathimals’ and ‘When I Grow Up’.

09:30 – 10:15 Tuesday 21 May How to amplify environmental awareness through effective messaging

CHANNING HENRY

MANAGING DIRECTOR (HEAD OF US) AT PKF HOSPITALITY

Channing Henry is a hotel developer and advisor to the hospitality industry. Through development partnerships and client engagements, Channing helps define and materialize high-quality hospitality projects in the nature-based and boutique segments of the industry. Since 2019, she has served as Managing Director, Head of US for PKF hospitality group, providing feasibility, planning and development services to clients in the US, Caribbean, and Latin America. She works with resort owners, infill developers, Native American clients, large mixed-use developers, and institutional and private landowners.

Channing launched Alma Development, a hospitality development and advisory business in 2010, with projects in California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Mexico and Costa Rica. Channing partnered with the Kor Group to co-develop the DTLA Proper, an award-winning 148-key property in Los Angeles, and with BV Resorts in the early development of a luxury resort on 1,500 acres in Baja, Mexico. Alma Development was instrumental in the pre-development and planning of sustainable hospitality master plans in Panama and Costa Rica, as well as art-forward boutique hotels in Atlanta and Fort Worth. Channing’s prior employers include the Kor Group and RCLCo.

Channing is actively engaged in the arts and has worked with James Turrell on his Roden Crater and on the board of an arts organization in Watts, CA. She is a member of ULI’s Recreational Development Council and has served on the Leadership Committees for that as well as the South Park Business Improvement District (BID) Board in Downtown Los Angeles. Channing was a Spanish-language journalist for Apertura, a leading business magazine in Argentina, following her year as a Fulbright scholar in Buenos Aires. She holds a BA from Princeton University and an MBA from Yale University

10:15 – 11:00 Monday 20 May Navigating global hospitality trends

GENE EIDELMAN

CO-FOUNDER OF AZURE PRINTED HOMES

Gene Eidelman’s journey in construction is marked by innovation and impact. After immigrating to the US from Ukraine, Gene quickly made a name for himself, developing over 3,000 condominiums and apartments in Southern California and across the Southeastern United States. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he successfully launched two education startups before co-founding Azure Printed Homes in 2022.

At Azure, Gene and his team are breaking new ground with a patented 3D printing process that constructs entire structures from recycled polymers. This eco-friendly method is not only 70% faster but also 30% less expensive than traditional construction, revolutionizing how we think about building in the future. Since May 2023, Azure Printed Homes has been delivering units to glamping resorts and campgrounds, with a focus on sustainability, affordability and luxury.

Gene’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond construction. He has been recognized for his efforts in resettling 6,000 refugees from Eastern Europe to the US and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss his refugee resettlement work.

Gene is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the real estate and construction industries. He will deliver a TED talk at TEDx Wilmington on the future of construction on April 27, 2024. His work is paving the way for sustainable and affordable construction around the globe.

14:30 – 15:00 Monday 20 May

Building the Future: Sustainable solutions through modular construction in eco resorts

RYAN MAHFOUZ

GUEST AND BUSINESS RELATIONS MANAGER AT NARA DESERT ESCAPE

Ryan Mahfouz is a dynamic Swiss-French-Lebanese entrepreneur with a rich background in luxury hospitality and a passion for entertainment and education. At the age of 26, he launched his own company in the entertainment industry, specializing in magic and astronomy, to bring unique experiences to diverse audiences.

Previously, Ryan honed his skills at Nara Desert Escape, an opulent desert camp founded by his mother. Starting his career as a reservations officer and waiter, Ryan quickly ascended to roles of greater responsibility, ultimately becoming the assistant manager and then guest relations manager. During his tenure, he not only excelled in managerial duties but also delighted guests with his close-up magic performances and stargazing sessions, following his certification as an astronomer.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients at Nara Desert Escape inspired Ryan to establish his own venture, where he continues to engage and mesmerize audiences with his magical and astronomical expertise. His entrepreneurial spirit is complemented by a lifelong commitment to building practical skills and creativity, enabling him to adapt seamlessly to various situations.

Ryan is multilingual, fluent in French, English, and Spanish, with conversational abilities in Russian, German, and Japanese. This linguistic prowess enhances his capability to connect with and entertain a global clientele. Besides his entertainment ventures, Ryan has been an avid tutor since the age of 14, teaching subjects to children, teenagers, and adults, which underscores his role as not just an entertainer, but also an educator.

Educated in political science, psychology, and physics, Ryan’s academic background feeds into his holistic approach to his professions, reflecting his belief that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” His future ambitions include venturing into research and development to further contribute to global well-being.

15:30 – 16:00 Monday 20 May

ANA RAMIREZ

CO-FOUNDER OF ANCESTRAL HANDMADE HOTELS

Ana Ramirez, LEED AP, WELL AP, brings over 17 years of profound Luxury Hospitality experience, contributing her expertise across all design stages— from conceptualization to construction administration and project management. Her prestigious portfolio features collaborations with internationally renowned hotel brands, a testament to her unwavering commitment to design excellence.

At the heart of Ana’s design philosophy is a deep-seated passion for well-being and sustainability. This fervor propels her to create spaces that transcend the ordinary, embodying holistic and sustainable destinations. Ana champions the cause of prioritizing human and planetary health in the built environment, instilling this ethos in her team and clients alike.

As co-founder of Ancestral Handmade Hotels and ANA Design Group, Ana leads with a rich foundation in bamboo construction and ongoing studies in Sacred Geometry design. Ana envisions spaces that breathe life into their surroundings, fostering a regenerative cycle that uplifts both the environment and its occupants.

Her transformative vision is crystallized in the flagship Ancestral Santa Elena, in the suburbs of Medellin Colombia and her second property in North Carolina, US —a living testament to the harmonious convergence of luxury, sustainability, and wellness architecture. A beacon of inspiration, Ana gracefully blends expertise, sustainability passion, and dedication to well-being, elevating each project to a realm where design becomes a transformative and healing experience.

12:30 – 13:00 Monday 20th May

The societal wellness revolution and how it is driving resort design

GERTJAN HOFFER

CEO OF BASECAMP ECO-RESORTS

Gertjan is the CEO of Basecamp eco-resorts. He is Dutch, with a background in business administration at Nyenrode University and is an experienced entrepreneur. Among other things, he co-founded ‘MKB Fonds N.V.’, a Dutch private equity fund, in 2012, managed it and further developed it in 6 years to approximately 20 participations in Dutch SME companies with a combined turnover of approximately € 250 million.

After selling his interest in MKB Fonds to his business partner in 2018, he founded EcoCabins B.V. in 2018 (a producer of Tiny Houses) and in 2020 Basecamp eco-resorts B.V. He is currently responsible for the development of new locations.

About Basecamp eco-resorts

Basecamp eco-resorts develops and operates small scale resorts worldwide, as self-sufficient as possible. Guests can enjoy their holiday in one of the sustainable Tiny Houses, focus on their work in one of the Tiny Offices or host inspirational meetings at the Event Spaces. The Basecamp Eco-Resorts group has currently seven sites operational and in development, at Amsterdam Beach, Amsterdam City, Sardinia, Pula, Tanzania, Mafia Island and Bali. Basecamp’s goal is to develop a network of 20 eco-resorts at the most beautiful places in the world and leave the world even more beautiful.

EELKE POLLÉ

COO OF BASECAMP ECO-RESORTS

Mrs. E. Pollé (Eelke) is the CCO of Basecamp eco-resorts. She is Dutch and a seasoned entrepreneur, investor and business coach. She graduated cum laude with her MBA (Nyenrode University), did her NIMA C and has a Master in Arts. She is best described as a mix of creativity and business insight.

After selling her travel company in 2017, she focused on helping other entrepreneurs. She started an investment fund and an accelerator program for the travel industry and coached more than 100 startups.

When the itch started to rejoin a startup, with the potential to build something with global impact, she sold the Accelerator and joined Basecamp, as CCO. With more than 18 years of experience in the travel industry, she has the network and knowledge to help Basecamp grow into an international brand.

15.00 – 15.30 Tuesday 21 May

Maximizing Resort Real Estate and Meeting the Needs of our Three Stakeholders: Nature, Guests and Investors

YANNICK LITTOUX

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT ANTHENEA

Yannick has accumulated over 15 years of experience in the international yacht and boat industry, having worked both in France and as an expatriate in Singapore and the Philippines.

With a deep passion for the ocean, he dedicates most of his leisure time to sailing with his family. It comes as no surprise that he joined Anthenea in early 2021, seeking to challenge himself with an innovative product designed specifically for hospitality operations on the sea.

Anthenea, the pioneer in designing and manufacturing the world’s first floating hotel suites, has already left its mark in Qatar, Oman, and France. These floating pods offer travelers a distinctive and immersive experience, seamlessly blending the tranquility of being surrounded by water with the comfort and convenience of a hotel or resort. Anthenea aims to establish a profound connection between guests and nature, providing breathtaking water views and direct access to water-based activities.

Powered by solar energy, Anthenea boasts the capability to achieve full autonomy. Its installation is possible in the most remote locations without the need for on-site constructions, and it incorporates a comprehensive wastewater management system to minimize environmental impact.

With various layout arrangements, Anthenea caters to the diverse and innovative needs of hoteliers. Floating accommodations, spa facilities, or lounge bars are just of few of the possibilities.

Based in France, where Anthenea has its own production facility, Yannick assumes the role of International Business Developer and serves as a Member of the Board. He oversees all stages of project development with Anthenea’s clients and partners, ensuring the success of ventures in the evolving realm of floating hospitality.

14:30 – 15:00 Monday 20 May

Building the Future: Sustainable solutions through modular construction in eco resorts

VICTOR VAZQUEZ

SVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT COLLECTIVE RETREATS

Victor is an executive in the tourism industry with almost three decades of global experience in various aspects of the business. In recent years Victor has played an active role in shaping the strategy of several hospitality groups as well as leading development of hotel operating models and processes for new hotel brands, joint ventures, and special projects.

After completing his MBA at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Victor joined IHG and had various executive roles in Operations, Development and Brand, including General Manager, gaining hotel operations and hotel openings experience at city-center, resort and convention properties.

He has also worked with Starwood Hotels, Marriott International, Choice Hotels, Shangri-La Group and, more recently for two mission driven environment-focused startups: Sagra, dedicated to hospitality with a regenerative farm-to-table F&B concept, and Collective Retreats, a B Corp™ connecting nature to unique and sustainable luxury retreats in unexpected places.

Victor is a CPA with a degree in business. Born in Mexico City, Victor has lived and worked in South America, North America, Europe and Asia. He currently lives in Washington DC.

11:30 – 12:00 Tuesday 21 May Sustainable Hospitality: Navigating Certification and Beyond

MAJA DIMNIK

FOUNDER & CEO OF AUTHENTIC LUXURY

Maja is the Founder and CEO of Authentic Luxury, 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 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 less dangerous things!) and walking her Australian shepherd.

14:30 – 15.00 Tuesday 21 May Reflections, Progress, and Future Horizons

JAMAL WICK

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF BESPOKE INDUSTRIES

After graduating from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, a prestigious academic background that prides itself for its legacy in hospitality, Jamal Wick started his journey with the Kempinski Hotel Group, where he climbed the corporate the ladder all the way to opening a portfolio of multiple properties in the region.

He then decided to quit the corporate world and follow his entrepreneurial aspirations which led him to create his first company with his partner, Flip International, a Food & Beverage consulting firm that thrives from “flipping” failing ventures around dedicated to developing unique concepts, creating new ventures and driving trends in the F&B industry.

After a fruitful experience in creating, operating and owning F&B outlets, Wick took a leap forward and brought Bespoke Trailers to inception, a company that specialises in designing, manufacturing and converting any type of mobile units into F&B outlets or any kind of business on wheels. Rising to market leadership position, it provided units for the biggest names in F&B, retail and many others, it has also offered entrepreneurs the opportunity to follow their dreams by collectively fostering innovative concepts and guiding them through their journey.

Bespoke Trailers went an extra mile and succeeded in developing new disruptive mobile concepts such as Carrefour Mobile Market and Tilal Fashion Bus, the first of their kinds.

Wick’s achievements didn’t end here, in fact, he is now devoted to Bespoke Modular Solutions, his latest creation in which he aims to reshape and transcend traditional construction and hospitality. Through early adoption of technologies, Wick managed to enhance a unique proposition in design variability, manufacturing precision and logistics efficiency. His products are a quintessence of sustainability and aesthetics, contradicting the reputation of prefabricated as ugly, cheap, poor-quality solutions. They are positioned at the higher end of the market while capturing the full cost and productivity benefits of modular construction.

“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 synchronously hence faster ROI and overall 20-30 per cent cost reduction, not only touching the hospitality industry, but covering the entire construction spectrum.

“The majority of our clients are currently within the hospitality and F&B industry, however, we are equipped to supply solutions to residential and commercial projects, too. Our policy is to move away from steel and concrete – and make use of timber, keeping in mind government guidelines,” Wick stated. At this point, his business units can achieve scale and repeatability regionally and are a unique solution for emerging markets with a high cost of building and vast leisure and tourism real estate demand. It is at this intersection that Wick’s unique proposition becomes an ecosystemic miracle and could transform the emerging markets tourism industry.

Presently, Bespoke Industries is focusing on the GCC area with lots of ongoing projects, it recently supplied modular units to Modon, Abu Dhabi’s largest real estate developer for a UNESCO protected site in Abu Dhabi. Bespoke Industries designed and provided three pop-up modular units for Expo 2020 and is planning to develop modular community malls.

14:30 – 15:00 Monday 20 May

Building the Future: Sustainable solutions through modular construction in eco resorts

ALEJANDRA WICK

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS COACH

Alejandra was born in Bogota, Colombia and later studied and worked in Switzerland. With a strong education in International Hospitality and Business, her international exposure opened the doors to move to Dubai after being hired for her dream job with the illusion of climbing up the corporate ladder of the private banking industry.

In private banking, Alejandra learned the importance of strong interpersonal relations, trustworthiness and the future of tailor-made products and services.

However, three years down the line, she realised that something was missing within; she was what one would refer to as a “successful professional”, but deep inside realised that I had not found my inner self.

Against all odds and her own preconceptions of what constituted a successful career, she decided to take a leap of faith and change paths.

Passionate about holistic wellbeing body-mind-spirit approach, Alejandra now helps others become the best version of themselves through workshops, retreats and coaching sessions for corporates and individuals.

Alejandra is kindly offering our delegates a Morning Mindfulness session, included in the ticket price, at Eco Resort Network 2024 before the conference opens.

A small guided meditation of approximately 15 minutes will be done with sound healing tools. The session will be focused on bringing all participants into a state of calm and tranquility to absorb information and also create a space to set the intention of the day – and the whole conference.

There will also be opportunities for a “Ladies’ Lunch” during the conference.

Alejandra will be directing the morning wellness sessions for delegates

LOUIS THOMPSON

FOUNDER AND CEO OF NOMADIC RESORTS

Among their most recent work is Madi Hiyaa overwater restaurant at Banyan Tree Vabinfaru, Maldives, Playa Viva Bamboo Treehouses in Mexico and Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka. The company has won LIV hospitality awards best restaurant design in 2024, and the Ahead Global best lodge, cabin or tented camp both in 2023 and 2020.

The company designs bespoke green building projects for various luxury hotel groups including Soneva, Six Senses, Banyan Tree, Playa Viva, Tamara, Domes Resorts, Red Sea Development 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.

12:30 – 13:00 Monday 20 May

The societal wellness revolution and how it is driving resort design

KINGA MONICA

INDEPENDENT REGENERATIVE DESIGNER, SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATOR & FOUNDER OF EARTHVOICE

Kinga founded Earthvoice to help aggregate the latest regenerative thinking and to amplify sustainability mission and credentials of bold ecotourism projects, artisanal businesses and adventurous start-ups. This Franco-British company offers innovative creative writing and digital design solutions.

She is a passionate, award-winning eco designer and innovator, a published writer and a creator of holistic regenerative programs. Her personal quest for unlocking a magic formula of the environments that elevate wellbeing, happiness and performance led her to studying ecological and vernacular design, Neurolinguistic Programming, and diverse ancient philosophies and healing arts. These include Transcendental Meditation, Reiki, Yoga and all kinds of nature-based pursuits that foster all-around wellness.

She innovated and established various interactive eco interpretation and leisure spaces that inspire, uplift and educate at the same time.

Inspired herself by the visionary art and human architecture of Buckminster Fuller and Hundertwasser, Kinga’s work draws on the cutting-edge concepts and styles that seamlessly merge nature with heritage and technology.

“I have always felt the resonance of nature and promoted what’s been singled out and framed as nature-based solutions since the 1990s. An-optimism-filled era that had shaped my growth as an environmental and social systems thinker that I am today. I specialise in designing templates that turn high end hospitality businesses into 360° holistic and regenerative operations.”

Her award-winning regenerative tourism and social enterprise work led to developing and applying practical socioeconomic answers to National Parks in Latin America, South Africa and Asia. Many of her green concepts and strategies were either translated into initiatives, policies or gains by governments, universities and small businesses. In the UK and Spain she initiated her own award-winning green start-ups. She co-founded a Centre for Natural Design & Innovation in Almeria, Spain where she trained and coached international volunteers, including heads of NGOs and laypeople in becoming highly effective generalists in the emerging art of regeneration.

England became Kinga’s adopted home where she graduated in Environmental sciences following her upbringing in Poland. As a keen traveller, she has visited 37 countries and lived in 5. A qualified ecologist and multilingual ethnobotanical researcher, and a soon-to-become IGA certified interpretive guide, she has led groups in Europe and lives between France and the UK.

12:30 – 13:00 Tuesday 21 May Community empowerment through sustainable initiatives with regenerative outcomes

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. She is an award-winning global marketing and communications executive, with expertise in developing, directing, and executing fully integrated campaigns strategically aligned to commercial objectives.

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 also held senior roles with Expo 2020 Dubai in 2017, where she delivered the destination marketing strategy to attract 17 million international visitors to the mega event – 70% of expected total visitors. Prior to this, she served as Executive Director Strategy & Development with RAKTDA and delivered the first tourism strategy for the emirate which successfully repositioned Ras Al Khaimah to become a regional adventure hub and one of the fastest growing destinations in the world.

Prior to moving to the Middle East, Caragh spent 11 years with the Tourism Development Authority in Ireland, where she built her reputation as a talented tourism expert and delivered strategic projects such as the Ryder Cup, the Navy Notre Dame game, the Gathering Ireland and provided strategic leadership to the organization in all digital and online channels and platforms.

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

11:30 – 12:00 Tuesday 21 May Sustainable Hospitality: Navigating Certification and Beyond

KRISHNA HUMATH

CONSULTANT AT SPOON CONSULTING LTD

Krishna is a consultant at Spoon Consulting Ltd, where he specializes in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive digital transformation. With a profound passion for technology and an enthusiast’s zeal for artificial intelligence, Krishna is dedicated to integrating AI into everyday life, aiming to solve significant challenges and enhance the quality of living through smart solutions.

His commitment to innovation is not just about adapting to the future but actively creating it, ensuring that every technological advancement makes life easier, more efficient, and more interconnected. At the upcoming conference, Krishna will share insights on the transformative power of AI, discuss the latest trends in the tech world, and explore how these can be harnessed to not only solve complex problems but also to make a substantial positive impact on society.

Join Krishna as he delves into the essentials of digital transformation, offering both thought leadership and practical strategies to thrive in this new digital era.

12:00 – 12:30 Tuesday 21 May AI Masterclass and what it will mean for hospitality

SANDRINE SUMODHEE

FOUNDER OF ALBION ENCOUNTERS

I am always amazed of how tourism can have a positive impact on a destination in terms of investment if it is well managed and accepted by the people living there. I have acquired more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, and the skills to share and advise clients as a strategic consultant, especially on sustainable tourism projects focused more on SIDS as the impact of climate change is a challenge for many islands and operators in the sector.

I have created Albion Encounters by AIC International Ltd which is a boutique, state of the art strategic consulting company specialised in the Tourism & Hospitality sector.

I have developed over the years an international network of experts and specialists in the Hospitality and Tourism industry from both the public and the private sector.

At Albion Encounters, we are supporting investors, developers, hotel operators and destinations to develop sustainable projects, concepts and plans that reflect new trends and adapt to the market with the aim to create a “conscious hospitality & tourism” business. We provide services that would respond to high end clients’ needs.

I have also created Bloom – Life & Business Coach to empower other heart-centered women entrepreneurs to go through the journey of transforming their business and themselves into a more impactful and successful asset for their clients, their family and the planet. I’m a firm believer that in changing your mindset, you change your prism and the way you perceive your business and life. Every day should be a new beginning with endless amounts of possibilities to explore. Our work life and personal life shall be integrated as one and properly balanced.

INGO HAMANN

MANAGING DIRECTOR AT STIEBEL ELTRON

Ingo Hamann, Managing Director and heat pump enthusiast, is a seasoned professional with a dedication towards ecofriendly initiatives. He believes in the power of teamwork and values the input of his team, business partners and clients, treating them as family and listening to their needs and advice.

Ingo’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in the use of innovative designs and cutting-edge technology to minimize the environmental impact, a trend that is gaining traction globally.

Ingo’s extensive experience and expertise in renewable energy technologies drive his passion for sustainable living. He envisions a future where homes and businesses can get off the grid for warm water heating and even heating and cooling, powered only by renewable energy sources like photovoltaic power. His dedication to sustainability extends to his personal life, with his own home equipped with a heat pump and solar system for nearly two decades.

In addition to his technical expertise, Ingo values the wisdom of older generations and believes in continuous learning and training.

Born in the north of Germany, starting his career at a young age, he worked his way up through various trades in the energy industry, eventually becoming a studied professional.

His journey led him to Stiebel Eltron, where he furthered his education while working and took on leadership roles in different parts of the world, including China and now Southern Africa.

Ingo’s mission is not only to provide premium products and services but also to consult, educate and train others about sustainable water heating, contributing to the green building movement and promoting comfortable living with minimal energy consumption. With his dedication to sustainability and commitment to excellence, Ingo Hamann is leading customers towards a greener and more comfortable future.

Ingo likes to go camping, running and hiking. Being in the nature opens his mind and grounds him during stressful times.

ROSE BANAN

ENTREPRENEUR

Rose was born and raised on the vibrant island of Mauritius, where her early years were imbued with the rich tapestry of its culture and natural beauty. Attracted by the allure of broader horizons, Rose ventured to Paris a decade ago to pursue her studies, igniting a journey that would take her across continents and into the realms of law and entrepreneurship.

Her professional journey began in the prestigious halls of a five-star hotel in Mauritius, where she immersed herself in the intricacies of hospitality management, learning firsthand the art of delivering unparalleled guest experiences. This formative experience laid the groundwork for her future endeavours and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the world of hospitality.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for law, Rose embarked on a transformative academic journey. She commenced her studies in law and political science at the renowned Université de Rennes 1 in France before expanding her horizons further with a transfer to the University of London. Undeterred by geographical boundaries, she completed her studies in Law with Business at the University of Essex, all while embracing the opportunity to broaden her perspectives through a study abroad program at UCLA.

Throughout her academic pursuits, Rose’s wanderlust remained unabated. Her love for travel, coupled with an ardent curiosity for diverse cultures and cuisines, fueled her explorations across the globe. It was amidst these adventures that the seeds of inspiration for her entrepreneurial vision were sown—a vision to create an eco-luxury glamping resort that seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability, offering guests a sanctuary immersed in nature’s embrace.

Today, Rose resides in Switzerland, poised at the nexus of her multifaceted journey, her sights set on realising her entrepreneurial dreams and leaving an indelible mark on the world of hospitality. With each step she takes, guided by her unwavering determination and boundless creativity, Rose epitomises the spirit of a modern-day trailblazer, fearlessly navigating the intersections of passion, purpose, and possibility.

“Craft the most ambitious and magnificent vision imaginable for your life, for you inevitably embody what you fervently believe”.

KATHERINE PARRISH

ENTREPRENEUR

Katherine is based in Austin, Texas. Her journey is a fusion of hospitality, technology, and real estate, cultivated through experiences across the globe.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Katherine’s pursuit of cultural immersion took her to international studies in Argentina and Mexico and internships in Spain. Since then, she’s traveled all over the world igniting her passion for innovative cultural experiences.

Beginning her career at a prestigious hotel near the White House, she honed her skills in curating exceptional guest experiences, exceeding expectations of even the most demanding customers.

Transitioning her passion for travel and hospitality into the tech startup world, Katherine emerged as the top revenue producer of the Americas at HomeAway. Part of that success was her innate ability to identify patterns and trends in consumer behavior. HomeAway saw a $3.9B acquisition by Expedia during her tenure.

Headhunted by Zillow to drive growth and innovation in their multifamily division, Katherine refined her strategic skills, consistently over delivering revenue numbers.

Her endless curiosity led her to explore a startup in the energy marketplace, reaffirming her dedication to land conservation and sustainability.

Joining another early-stage software startup, Katherine empowered multi-location enterprises to manage their digital marketing presence, earning recognition as a President’s Club top revenue producer.

Transitioning to Cloudflare, driven by her desire for a global impact, Katherine further developed her knack for pattern recognition and business trends while continuing to win awards as a top producer. Now she aims to create something of her own by combining her skills, passions, and knowledge to build a scalable, sustainable luxury outdoor experience with a holistic approach. She’s excited to attend this conference in the exploratory phase, eager to be a sponge, learn from others and share ideas. Let’s chat!

MATTI ANTTILA

ENTREPRENEUR

Matti Anttila is a Charleston, South Carolinabased serial entrepreneur who has created over a dozen brands, primarily in the consumer products space.

With his newly created health & wellness platform Apex Eden, Matti is now building a network of companies and experiences focused on unleashing human performance by helping elevate mind, body & soul.

Among his pipeline of projects is a life elevation retreat center and eco resort in the North Carolina mountains. An avid outdoorsman, Matti enjoys climbing mountains, paddling across large bodies of water and embarking on adventures of discovery with his wife and two teenage daughters.

LOUISE CUSTANCE

DIRECTOR & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AT LINEA

Louise’s career as a landscape architect has taken her to some of the world’s most beautiful places, both at home in regional Australia and internationally. From tackling projects in different climates, scales, languages and time zones, Louise is not put off by a challenge or an adventure. Her diverse professional experience over more than ten years ranges from high-end hospitality projects and nature-based experiences in the private sector at VIDA in Costa Rica and the Seychelles, to Noosa and more recently delivering multiple public realm projects on globally recognised nature-based tourism destination - Kangaroo Island. She established LINEA to continue her passion for designing in remote places, responsible tourism, regional communities and sustainable development.

In becoming the successful creative professional she is today, Louise owes it to her down-to-earth personality, work ethic, adaptability and sense of adventure that she gained from her humble small-town upbringing and global adventures. With two masters degrees and two languages (and learning a third) under her belt, Louise is always on the go.

She is a ‘doer’, who prides herself on her ability to get things done and bring out the best of every project, bringing clients’ visions to life, and convincing others of each project’s value. When she’s not surfing or playing sport, you’ll likely find Louise exploring new and familiar places with her camera in hand.

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.

SANDER JACOB

MARKETING AND 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 highquality 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.

GERALD AMI

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MAURITIUS CONSCIOUS

Mauritius-born Gerald has harbored a lifelong love for travel and hospitality. Witnessing the beauty of his island home firsthand, he’s dedicated his career to promoting responsible tourism in the Indian Ocean, starting with Mauritius.

As Managing Director of Mauritius Conscious Travel, Gerald curates unique travel experiences prioritizing local immersion and environmental sustainability. Their itineraries positively impact communities while offering travelers authentic connections to the locals and the land’s natural wonders.

Gerald’s passion stems from a decade spent living and working in diverse destinations – Mauritius, UAE, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua. This broadened perspective allows him to understand the evolving travel industry and cater to the desires of today’s conscious traveler.

Get ready to be inspired by Gerald’s vision for a future where travel fosters authentic connections, mindfulness, cultural exchange and protects the the beauty of the land.

15:00 – 15:30 Monday 20 May Travel in 2024; What Matters Most To Travellers

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.

DAVID PATRICK COURT

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AT BUSHTEC CREATIONS

I head up Bushtec Creations as an Independent Executive Consultant, for Canvas and Tent Group South Africa. I am also 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 additional countries where needed.

World leaders in tent design and fully owned manufacturing plant for all canvas and steel components – no third parties. Producing awardwinning tents for the luxury travel, glamping, and experiential adventure markets. Form, function, quality, and durability go hand in hand with beauty.

HANS HILLEBRAND

CEO OF CANVAS AND TENT GROUP

Hans Hillebrand, who joined Canvas and Tent as our Group CEO on 1 February 2023, comes from a rich background in the financial sector. Hans brings a wealth of knowledge in business innovation, strategic planning, and operational management. His dynamic leadership style and strong commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the ethos of The Canvas and Tent Group.

At Canvas and Tent, we pride ourselves on transforming remote locations into luxurious living spaces. We design, manufacture, and build bespoke luxury tented camps and structures, catering primarily to the hospitality industry. Over the past 55 years, our efforts have led to the creation of over 1,000 projects in 73 countries, each designed with innovation and minimal environmental impact in mind.

Our flagship Bushtec brand is where much of the magic happens. Here, more than 600 skilled artisans work alongside a talented team of architects, engineers, draftsmen, interior designers, and ‘archineers’ to develop everything from classic Safari tents to cutting-edge tensile structures.

Headquartered in South Africa, our reach extends globally with offices in Europe, America, Botswana, Namibia, and soon in the GCC. This worldwide presence is supported by an extensive network of agents, ensuring we meet the needs of our international clients effectively.

As we move forward, our mission remains to uphold our legacy of excellence and push the boundaries of what’s possible in eco-friendly luxury accommodation. We look forward to a future filled with innovation and unmatched experiences for adventurers around the globe.

MARC VAN DEN BOSCH

DIRECTOR OF CANVAS AND TENT EUROPE

Marc Van Den Bosch fell in love with luxury glamping tents during one of his many trips to South Africa. As a seasoned entrepreneur, he instantly knew he could adapt the formula to suit European tastes and surroundings. In early 2015, he started Canvas and Tent Europa as a joint-venture between the eponymous parent-company in South Africa and himself.

The rest, as they say, is history…

Since then, Marc has set up a company to market, build and support luxury lodge tents from Bushtec Safari in the whole of Europa. Over the past decade, multiple sites have been transformed into luxury lodge resorts by Canvas and Tent Europe - including the biggest glamping-spot in Europe, located in Belgium where Marc is based.

Marc’s ethos has always been quality first. That’s why he fell in love with the Bushtec Safari-brand in the first place, and why it’s essential for him to work with the best suppliers and people. He also excels in finding the sweet-spot between South African craftsmanship and European needs, where not only the climate but also the culture differs.

Delivering exactly what European glamping sites want, is Marc’s speciality. He’ll even go as far as modifying designs to meet his customers needs. Together with his team, he was the first to offer and install isolating ripstop canvas, so European customers can use their luxury tents all-year round in the chilly north as well as in the warm south.

Another trump of Canvas and Tent Europe is the high level of personalization. Materials, windows, doors and fitmentsevery part can be matched to specific tastes or styles. Even turnkey projects are possible through the specialized division Bushtec Creations: a leader in authentic, innovative and award-winning custom lodge design. With more than 10 years of experience in the business, Marc and his team are able to fulfill many a glamping dream in Europe.

ALASTAIR NORTON-GRIFFITHS

EAST AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVE AT MIRADA TRAVEL GROUP/TTO & MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ZEITGEIST

Alastair Norton-Griffiths is known to many members of the Eco Resort Network. Based in Kenya, he is East African Representative at Mirada Travel Group/TTO. Mirada Travel Group operates a number of different travel businesses, which include: The Good Safari Guide, The Safari Awards, Safarilink and TTO. Alastair’s role is as the East African representative of TTO working with the partners of TTO in the UK to help deliver the quality service expected to their clients in East Africa.

Alastair is also Managing Director of Zeitgeist Ltd – a recognised supplier of sustainable products for the construction and hospitality industry and proud distributers of Evening Breeze, Natura Water Systems, Moistureshield WPC decking and Ultralam Roofing. In addition, he is Director of Hospitality Procurement East Africa, which is a sourcing, procurement and transportation management agent for the hospitality and allied industries.

ANDREW MILTON

COO OF CONSTANCE HOTELS & RESORTS

Andrew Milton, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf, is an accomplished professional with a 28-year tenure in the global hospitality industry. His career is marked by diverse international experiences across various sectors such as hospitality, management, and development.

Andrew has played pivotal roles in major international hospitality groups, including Hilton, Beachcomber, Sun International, and One&Only, showcasing his capability in working with top-tier operators.

As COO of Constance Hotels and Resorts, Andrew leads a renowned hospitality group in the Indian Ocean region. The group, manages eleven luxury hotels, operating under the Constance Hotels & Resorts brand and the upper upscale lifestyle brand C Resorts. These establishments are strategically located in Mauritius, Rodrigues, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Maldives. Constance’s vision for the group includes not only maintaining its high standard of luxury and service but also expanding its market presence. This expansion strategy involves growing the portfolio of managed hotels by securing new hotel management agreements within the Indian Ocean territories, specifically in Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius, and exploring emerging opportunities in Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council regions.

YOU WILL ALSO MEET...

SANDRINE SUMODHEE FOUNDER OF ALBION ENCOUNTERS

OLEG PISKLOV BOLD VENTURES

JULIETTE DELOUSTAL SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER AT ATTITUDE GROUP

VINCENT RAISIERE MANAGING DIRECTOR AT LUXURY CAMP SOLUTIONS

EZRA JHUBOO

PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT TRIMETYS GROUP

MARCIN DABROWSKI WELL CONSULTING

FRANCK SANNA

VP HOSPITALITY & GENERAL MANAGER AT NARA

ANNIE HILTON

MEDIA MANAGER AT ECO RESORT NETWORK & EDITOR AT INTERNATIONAL GLAMPING BUSINESS

KAREN COOKE

EVENT OPERATIONS AT ECO RESORT NETWORK & DIRECTOR OF SWAN EVENTS

KIRSTEN MANNING

SENIOR ASSOCIATE AT HTI CONSULTING

JOCELYN KWOK CEO OF AHRIM

JEAN MICHEL PITOT CEO OF ATTITUDE GROUP

JACQUES ROMBI DIRECTOR OF LE JOURNAL DES ARCHIPELZ