Press Releases

Photo from Tourism Cares with Norway Meaningful Travel Summit - April 18-23, 2023 

NEW YORK - June 6, 2023 – The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced today that it will hold the third Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit in Singapore from May 18 through 21, 2024. In partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, USTOA invites its Active and Associate Members to the Summit to foster collaborations, participate in cross-sector learning, and set the path for a more sustainable future for the travel industry.  

“On the heels of USTOA’s second Sustainability is Responsibility Summit in Norway, I am grateful to our partners at the Singapore Tourism Board to keep the momentum going on this critically important and impactful event,” said USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale. “Our goal is to inspire industry leaders to implement sustainable practices to preserve authentic experiences around the world. We thank our partners and Members who believe in this mission and want to continue moving it forward.” 

“Singapore is honored to host the first SIR Summit in Asia in 2024. The Summit will be held in an urban setting, providing attendees a different perspective of sustainability efforts of a city-state,” said Rachel Loh, Senior Vice President, Americas of Singapore Tourism Board.  

Loh continued, “In February 2023, Singapore became the first country to apply for and be certified as a sustainable destination based on the Global Sustainability Tourism Council’s Destination Criteria. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to working closely with local communities and tourism partners to integrate sustainability practices in all that we do. We look forward to inviting SIR attendees to Singapore and together, making a positive impact for future tourism.”  

The announcement follows USTOA’s second year of the Summit in Norway.  Tourism Cares with Norway Meaningful Travel Summit, a partnership between Innovation Norway and USTOA’s Sustainability is Responsibility event, was held in Tromsø and Svalbard, Norway from April 18-23, 2023. Travel industry professionals, government officials, and non-profit organizations came together to discuss tourism practices and how to promote responsible travel through interactive learning sessions as well as out in the community, experiencing local offerings. 

In 2022, the first-ever SIR was held in Bodø, Norway, one of the country’s regions most vulnerable to climate change.  

SIR panel discussions and featured keynote speeches have focused on topics such as the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment, sustainable destination management case studies, and the role of technology in promoting sustainable tourism. Past summits also included visits to local businesses and attractions to give attendees a firsthand look at how the destinations are taking action for sustainable tourism.  

The 2024 Sustainability is Responsibility Summit in Singapore is in its early planning stages. 

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com.   

About USTOA:    

Representing $16 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow six million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value, and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.  As a voice for the tour operator industry for 50 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.  

Contact:  

Gina Dolecki/Alice Phillips   

Redpoint  

212-229-0119  

dolecki@redpointmarketingpr.com /phillips@redpointmarketingpr.com